Medical Laboratory Technician

About the role

The Medical Laboratory Technician will perform test procedures on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, which require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. The location of the position is Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS), Big Spring, Texas.

Responsibilities

• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures to include pre-analytic, analytic and post analytic processes with minimal technical supervision.
• Performs testing in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, phlebotomy.
• Recognizes data with life threatening (critical) implications and understands the importance of immediately bringing the data to the attention of the patients' physician and/or nursing staff.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment.
• Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
• Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions.
• Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results.
• Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.
• Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.
• Interprets findings and makes recommendations.
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's inservice/ continuing education program.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.

  Requirements

  • 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), American Medical Technologists, or American Association of Bioanalysts.
  • 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).

  Qualifications

  • Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship, Education, Certification, English Language Proficiency.
  • Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level.
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work, knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems, ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation, ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments, ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results, ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions, ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers.
  • Preferred Experience: Two years experience as Medical Laboratory Technician Lab or experience working in clinical laboratory.
  • Grade Determinations: Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-06.
  • Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.
  • Education: 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.
  • Additional Information: Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave, Making Your Resume Available to Hiring Managers in the Agency Who Have Similar 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.
  • Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.