Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities Medical Technologist (Advanced Staff Technologist) (Night Shift) GS-10 Duties include but are not limited to the following description: The incumbent serves as a generalist medical technologist with responsibility for performing procedures in Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Microbiology, and Specimen Processing. The advanced staff technologist rotates with other generalists on a regular basis through the above mentioned areas. They may also work solo in any of the above departments on evenings, nights, weekends and holidays, able to act as the lead technologist in any or all of the above areas as needed. Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must be able to perform a full range of testing in all sections of the laboratory. Duties will usually be assigned on a rotating basis in each lab section, including the following: Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles and methodology of the field to perform advanced laboratory techniques. Ability to modify or adapt established methods, procedures or techniques to resolve difficult or complex problems. Knowledge of the application of laboratory regulatory requirements. Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. Appropriately handles accessions, processes specimens and evaluates specimens for suitability for testing. Ensures correct identity of patients and specimens throughout processing, testing and reporting. Prepares and packages specimens for shipment to other labs. Is familiar with procedure manuals including revisions and will keep procedure manuals current which may include writing of procedures. Performs all testing according to the procedures provided. Is familiar with testing procedures and equipment such that trouble-shooting of problems and preventative maintenance can be performed as necessary. Understands testing principles such that unusual results and/or conditions which cause erroneous results can be recognized and appropriate actions taken to produce valid data. Keeps appropriate written records which include documentation of quality control, corrective actions and instrument maintenance. Accurately report results of testing which includes prior interpretation of quality control results and takes appropriate action on unacceptable quality control results. Performs proficiency testing according to written CAP instructions. Performs instrument/reagent evaluations, collection of statistical data, etc. Instruct other technical lab staff in instrument operation and maintenance. Assists in the training of MT and other students as needed. Follows all hospital and laboratory policies/procedures. Work Schedule: Full Time, 40 hrs/week. Monday-Friday 12:00am - 8:00am (rotating weekends and holidays) Compressed/Flexible: Available for compressed/flexible shifts. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Hannah Neilson hannah.neilson@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. Education and/or Experience Combination (1) A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.). AND Completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. OR, (2) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND Two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR, (3) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND Five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraph 2b(2) or (3) above. This finding may be based on either of the following:(1) A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree.(2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination. Certification: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. 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: Medical Technologist (Advanced Staff Technologist) (Night Shift) GS-10 Experience: Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles and methodology of the field to perform advanced techniques. Ability to modify or adapt established methods, procedures or techniques to resolve difficult or complex problems. Knowledge of the application of laboratory regulatory requirements. Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. Functions of the position include but are not limited to: MTs at this level perform more complex laboratory functions. Duties may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: serves as primary operator on new test systems, assumes responsibility to maintain operations including preventive maintenance and training of technicians and technologists on the operation of the new test systems; assists in writing procedures and other documents as directed. Provides technical training and guidance to students, residents, staff and other employees; recommends updated guidelines and policies in compliance with regulatory requirements for non-routine or complex assignments. These assignments have specialized training and experience. Employee has advanced knowledge of the core laboratory and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and are performed by the incumbent at least 50% of the time. The incumbent maintains knowledge of current medical technology principles and procedures by attendance and/or participation in continuing education programs and/or by reading relevant journals, and recommends updated guidelines and policies in compliance with regulatory requirements. The incumbent has a high level of responsibility in the department. This may include, but is not limited to, supply control, instrument maintenance, conducting various technical analyzer performance studies, managing quality control, and participation as a member of the VISN 1 Functional Groups. The incumbent will maintain some procedures, writing and revising as needed. In addition, be well informed of the most up to date technology, presenting recommendations for improvements or changes to the supervisor. Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more difficult, complex, or unique tests requiring special knowledge. Assists the supervisor in technical phases of the organizational level on various aspects of the specialized testing including appropriateness that takes into consideration clinical context. Attends training for complex analytical instruments and is responsible for training employees in its operation. Conducts studies needed for complex testing. Performs complex maintenance procedures and is consulted as the in-house expert for troubleshooting problems. The incumbent may be required to provide essential and emergency laboratory coverage at anytime, day or night. The incumbent may be required to rotate work assignments for weekends, evenings and holidays, to work solo, and/or serve as acting Supervisor. Preferred Experience: Experience as a Generalist in Blood Bank, Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, and Urinalysis. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending, kneeling, reaching, moderate lifting of instruments and materials up to 50 pounds, walking moderate distances, mental alertness, and ability to work under pressure due to meeting established timetables for documentation 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.