Medical Technician

About the role

This position is in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PLMS) at VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. The incumbent works in the Pathology and Laboratory Service and functions as a Medical Technician - performing key duties in the clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology.

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 - hematology - immunohematology - clinical chemistry - immunology - toxicology - urinalysis - referral laboratory - microbiology - and specimen processing
• 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 considering 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
• Diagnostics 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 and solves problems
• 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 in-service/continuing education program
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
• Participates in proficiency testing programs
• Works independently with minimal supervision
• Works collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team
• Works in a fast-paced environment with high levels of responsibility
• Handles confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Ensures compliance with regulatory standards and policies
• Supports the mission of the VA by providing quality patient care

Requirements

• 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
• English Language Proficiency: MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Education: Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification
• 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) ASCP - Board of CertificationOR - ASCP - Board of Registry
• Exception: 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
• 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 - your resume must demonstrate you possess the required experience necessary to possess the Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs) required for each grade level

Qualifications

• Medical Technician - GS-05: ExperienceNone beyond the basic requirements
• Knowledge - Skills and AbilitiesNone
• Medical Technician - GS-06: ExperienceOne year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level
• Knowledge - Skills and AbilitiesIn addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
• 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 (GS-05): 1 year Phlebotomy experience with a variety of age groups
• Basic knowledge and understanding of medical terminology
• Knowledge in specimen collection and processing for different disciples to include in house testing and reference lab testing
• Knowledge in advance phlebotomy services to include - blood culture collection - HPylori Breathe Test collection - Glucose Tolerance Collection - and Chain of Custody Drug Testing
• Knowledge of point of care testing to include quality control and quality assurance
• Ability to communicate - consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team - external relations - customer service and patient education
• Preferred Experience (GS-06): 1+ year of phlebotomy experience with all age groups
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of medical terminology
• Experience in specimen collection and processing for different disciples to include in house testing and reference lab testing
• Experience in advance phlebotomy services to include - blood culture collection - HPylori Breathe Test collection - Glucose Tolerance Collection - and Chain of Custody Drug Testing
• Experience with point of care testing to include quality control and quality assurance
• Ability to communicate - consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team - external relations - customer service and patient education

Skills

• 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
• Ability to communicate - consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team - external relations - customer service and patient education

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• 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)
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• 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

Pay

• Grade Determinations: In addition to the Basic Requirements - your resume must demonstrate you possess the required experience necessary to possess the Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs) required for each grade level
• Medical Technician - GS-05: ExperienceNone beyond the basic requirements
• Medical Technician - GS-06: ExperienceOne year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level
• Knowledge - Skills and AbilitiesIn addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
• 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