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Summary The Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician position is assigned to P&LMS at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC. The incumbent performs both routine and difficult and complex laboratory testing as assigned (including, but not limited to laboratory testing in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, accessioning, send outs, and serology sections). Medical laboratory technicians use microscopes, centrifuges, incubators, balances and other instruments to analyze body fluids. Responsibilities This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Duties include but not limited to: Incumbent reports to technical supervisor or Pathologist. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiologic processes and requirements. Accepts and/or documents incoming patient specimens using the designated computer system (or backup system) as per established policies and procedures. Controls physical conditions and responds to time factors to ensure that the physiological state of the specimen and the quality of patient care is maintained. Reports all specimen problems according to established guidelines. Verifies accuracy, completeness and validity in the testing process. Logs rejected specimens according to laboratory/departmental policy and delete accessions according to laboratory policy. Adheres to requirements to accomplish plans to assure successful accreditation by regulatory agencies such as Joint Commission, CAP, CUA, FDA, American Association of Blood Banks and other governing bodies. In microbiology, specializes in performing gram stains, infectious disease testing, immunochemical fecal occult blood testing, vaginosis DNA testing, and complex PCR testing. Performs a variety of diagnostic tests and makes macroscopic examinations of cultures of numerous species of bacteria for the purpose of positive identification when performing pharmacy aseptic technique assessments. In hematology, performs complex testing such as coagulation studies including prothrombin testing, activated partial thromboplastin testing, fibrinogen testing, and D-Dimer testing. Performs body fluid crystal analysis and microscopic urinalysis reviews. n chemistry (typically in the specialized chemistry unit of the section), performs blood gas testing. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Maintains laboratory in a clean and safe condition according to agency and accreditation requirements. Troubleshoots and repairs instrumentation. Recognizes indicators of malfunction and evaluates validity of data. While performing a full range of biochemical tests, must have an extensive knowledge of instrumentation to install, calibrate, troubleshoot and resolve problems. Calibrates at timely and/or established intervals to minimize break downs and delay of procedures. Performs and monitors quality control. When controls fall outside acceptable limits, employee uses independent judgment, in conjunction with standard operating procedures, to evaluate the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures, correlating and integrating information and perform additional testing to confirm abnormal results. Monitors specimens and the environment for acceptability. Helps to maintain an effective liaison with biomedical engineering personnel from Healthcare Technology Management and/or manufacturer's technical service representatives to help assure optimal uninterrupted services. Ensures that sufficient supply of reagents, standards and controls are available at all times to assure that the inventory is adequate for uninterrupted functioning of all instruments. Is responsible for preparation of reagents, controls. etc. as required. Recommends changes in procedure to improve efficiency, accuracy and safety. Conducts all work according to laboratory safety regulations. Assists in training employees in laboratory procedures and laboratory safety. Accountable to technical supervisor or Pathologist to report conditions and progress on eliminating discrepancies. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 534-555009F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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 examination. 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). English Language Proficiency: Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Certification. Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) granted by the following organizations. American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) ASCP, Board of Certification OR ASCP, Board of Registry American Medical Technologists American Association of Bioanalysts Education. Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification. 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. Assignment-specific KSAs are designated with an asterisk (*) and are only required if that task is required of the position, as indicated below. Examples of experience at the GS-06 level includes but not limited to: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs below 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. *Laboratory Information Management: Carry out day-to-day operations related to laboratory information systems/computer use and system maintenance. *Safety Coordination: Oversee safe handling of specimens, chemicals and equipment by all staff and ensure compliance with safety regulations. *Laboratory Education: Plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for laboratory staff to meet accreditation requirements. *Quality Management: Coordinate quality management activities within the laboratory and ensure compliance with required standards of quality. Preferred Experience: None. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients. 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 Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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.