Summary The Advanced MLT position is assigned to P&LMS. The incumbent to this position performs a variety of waived, moderate, and complex tests on biological specimens. They serve as a generalist in the laboratory with responsibility for performing testing in all areas of Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Blood Bank, Microbiology, Serology, and Urinalysis. They have advanced knowledge of Clinical Laboratory concepts, principles, and methodologies, and all laboratory accrediting agency requirements. Responsibilities Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Medical Laboratory Technician: https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technician-Career-Flyer.pdf Major Duties of the Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician include, but are not limited to: Advanced Duties (15%) The work performed by the technician requires professional knowledge and competence in the field of clinical laboratory technology. Testing (40%) The incumbent independently performs a full range of laboratory testing and examination of blood, urine, body fluids and other specimens. Performs and evaluates quality control and proficiency testing samples according to laboratory standard operating procedures and accrediting agency requirements. Performs preventative maintenance as scheduled, on a variety of laboratory equipment, to minimize breakdown and delay of procedures. Verifies accurate instrument functioning, troubleshoots instrument malfunctions, and acts on any quality control shifts, trends or out of range results. Evaluates the problem and selects appropriate corrective action. Maintains work area in a clean and safe condition according to agency or accreditation requirements. Records laboratory data on charts, logs or computerized forms. Enters data into the computerized patient medical record either manually or through instrument computer interfaces. Reviews other technologist/technician manually entered results for accuracy. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction or conditions which could cause erroneous results. Plays a role in establishing and developing the testing and examination procedures carried out in the laboratory. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures. Specimen Collection and Processing (25%) Verifies identity of patient and collects blood specimens with minimal discomfort to the patient using standard phlebotomy techniques. Performs Employee Drug Screens (15%) The incumbent is responsible for the proper collection and documentation of employee drug screening, as mandated by employee health. Coordinates dispatch and pick up for intra-laboratory transporting of specimens (5%) The Incumbent communicates with the satellite laboratories to ensure prompt pickup and delivery at a prescribed location and time during the regular tour of duty. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm (rotating weekends and holidays), subject to change based on needs of the facility. Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00739F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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: 1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 2. English Language Proficiency: MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 3. Education. Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification. 4. Certification. All 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. Note: 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. 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). Grade Determinations: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must also demonstrate the KSAs below: i. Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests. ii. Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing. iii. Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes. iv. Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment. Preferred Experience: Familiarity with patient specimen processing and waived testing. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds) and light carrying (under 15 pounds), use of both hands and fingers, standing for 2-3 hours, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, mentally and emotionally stable, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, depth perception and ability to work with solvents. Frequent keyboarding and computer work required. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.