Medical Laboratory Technician

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

Education

Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification.

Certification

Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations. (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ii ASCP, Board of Registry. (b) American Medical Technologists. OR (c) American Association of Bioanalysts. Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-07 Experience.

In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. Assignment-specific KSAs are designated with an asterisk (*) and are only required if that task is required of the position, as indicated in part (c) below Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs i. - iv. and the advanced KSA as identified by the corresponding asterisk(s) if MLTs are assigned advanced MLT duties Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests. Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing.

Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes.

Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment. Knowledge of laboratory information technology (IT) systems including troubleshooting systems issues, interface requirements between new instruments and existing IT infrastructure and laboratory IT test development. Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration along with continuing education and employee orientation to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements. Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. Ability to assist with quality management activities in the laboratory, including monitoring and evaluating quality in accordance with CLIA and CAP, conducting quality improvement activities and communicating quality management results.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements

This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires mostly periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations.

The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients/residents who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on stakeholder needs.

Duties: Advanced MLTs at this level have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to independently carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty. Advanced MLTs are responsible for performing difficult specialized tasks in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as microbiology, chemistry, coagulation, hematology, immunohematology (blood bank), parasitology, serology, urinalysis, and ancillary testing.

The duties consist of advanced operation, training, and comprehensive troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and resolving and problems. Perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results. Performs processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and accurately label and sort patient specimens.

Coordinates with other clinical departments to complete order entry and accessioning of test orders in the computer, correcting duplications and/or entry errors. Performs phlebotomy procedures using established venipuncture techniques and universal precautions. Operates and maintains instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine, and tissue samples.

Performs and documents quality control activities and validates test results; conducts corrective actions when required and notifies immediate supervisor and/or the Laboratory Manager of testing issues, when appropriate. Assists with orientation and training of new employees, students, and other laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. The Advanced MLS is directly accountable to the Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

The supervisor outlines assignment parameters, deadlines, and priorities and provides advice on how to proceed when unusual problems are encountered. The Advanced MLT plans and carries out the procedures necessary to complete the work assignment and handles problems and corrects errors in accordance with established protocols or accepted laboratory practices. The supervisor reviews the work reports for technical soundness and conformity to policy and established requirements.

Work Schedule: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized. Telework: Not Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.