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Summary This position falls within Primary Care Clinics and rural CBOCs Pathology and Laboratory at the ECHCS VA Health Care System. *This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 31, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 11/25/2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis OR until positions are filled. * Responsibilities Specimens received consist of all specimen types including blood, urine, stool, cultures, joint aspirations, other fluids, and other irretrievable specimens. The incumbent uses the VA computer system when processing specimens. Samples are accepted into the computer for testing or the order is removed from the computer if samples are not collected. Protects the security of the computer system and maintains patient confidentiality. The incumbent receives, validates, processes and distributes specimens to the proper equipment for storage until transported to RMR Medical facility for testing. This includes assuring the proper specimen was collected, patient identification on the tube is correct and matches the accompanying requisition(s) and accessioning the specimens. Ensures all pre-analytical testing requirements are met by ensuring centrifugation at the appropriate time and rpm setting, appropriate pre-treatment of specimen if required (i.e. appropriate clotting time at the required temperature for the individual test), accurately labels aliquot tubes and stores at the appropriate temperature protecting from light if required or distributes to the proper section for testing. If there is a question regarding the testing, incumbent consults with the provider; nurse, pathologist or appropriate Medical Technologist to ensure the appropriate testing is performed on the appropriate sample. The incumbent should maintain current knowledge in the changing field of ancillary testing sufficient to serve as the first line technical consultant and advisor to CBOC staff. The incumbent may be requested to develop or recommend policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing (testing outside the physical confines of the main laboratory as mandated by VHA). The Medical Technician must have a thorough knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission and the College of American Pathology. The Medical Technician is required to evaluate the competency of the variety of individuals (nurses, physician, patients) in the performance of ancillary testing procedures and in the reporting of test results, promptly, accurately, and proficiently. Also included would be the ongoing day-to-day compliance with established protocols and guidelines. Recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies and improve the program. The Medical Technician is required to develop and recommend policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary or point-of-care testing (testing outside the main laboratory as mandated by Handbook 1106.1) equipment and instrumentation. Ensure the appropriate correlation among different instrumentation and methodologies. The Medical Technician is required to consult with program managers or equivalent of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods. Also, the incumbent is required to create, apply and monitor reengineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives within the program. The Medical Technician is required to assist with the development of technical bulletins, procedures, training materials and other program materials, which ensure accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies concerning patient testing, result reporting, and proficiency testing. Could be required to develop and implement corrective action when deficiencies are identified. The incumbent provides training to Medical Laboratory Technicians, Nursing staff, Medical Assistants, and Nursing Assistants in accessioning. The incumbent accurately administers and collects specimens for employee drug screening program. Appropriately completes required chain of custody paperwork and packages for shipment to testing facility. These are considered legal specimens. The incumbent will be required to achieve the training through the VA and sustain competencies allowing the technician the ability to perform Employee Drug Screens as required by Human Resources. Using the proper chain of custody and ensuring proper preparation for pick-up and shipment to the appropriate lab will be essential for the medical technician. The incumbent performs testing for toxicology, Alcohol, and Quantiferon The incumbent follows proper infectious disease controls The incumbent performs other duties necessary for the efficient operation of the laboratory such as speaking at New Veterans Orientation. The technician may be requested to present laboratory information including, but not limited to, available appointment times, walk-in times, and general hours of operation. Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, Variable rotates tours of duty and on the weekend and holiday schedules as assigned. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 58681, 58682-A 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. 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 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. American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) ASCP, Board of Certification. ASCP, Board of Registry. American Medical Technologists. American Association of Bioanalysts. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may receive a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed two years as a graduate MLT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2) without the option to extend. 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). 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment in paragraph 4, VA HR staff must use the following criteria to determine the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. (1) Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-05. (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. None. (c) Assignment. This is an entry-level developmental MLT position. MLTs will typically receive guidance from experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. MLTs at this level perform testing in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, phlebotomy, hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, toxicology, urinalysis, referral laboratory, microbiology and specimen processing. MLTs recognize data with life-threatening (critical) implications and understand the importance of immediately bringing the data to the attention of the patient's physician and/or nursing staff. (2) Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-06. (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level. (b) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work. ii Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems. iii Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. iv Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments. v Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results. vi Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions. vii Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers. (c) Assignment. At the full performance level, MLTs use independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results. MLTs perform day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care. This includes providing pre-analytic instructions to patients, VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens. MLTs use processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and they accurately label and sort patient specimens. MLTs operate and maintain all instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples. MLTs at this level analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports. The results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures are discussed with supervisors, pathologists and other medical professionals as needed. References: VA Handbook 5005/158 Part II Appendix G69 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. 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 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.