Medical Technologist

Summary The Oklahoma City VA HCS is currently hiring for Medical Technologist position(s) for the Oklahoma City VAMC. The Medical Technologist (MT) develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. Responsibilities The Duties of the Medical Technologist (MT) include the following, but are not limited to: Responsible for day-to-day operation and basic organization of the work area which includes: initiation and/or completion of testing, reporting, maintenance of testing records, performance of quality control (QC) and maintenance of QC records. Supply inventory and system of storage; notifies supervisor of inventory issues. Basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, and timely reporting of problems and irregularities. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results and analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment; uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, performs limited minor repairs and perform preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis; prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring the specimen is usable. Prepares reagents and primary reference materials, assembles equipment, verifies correct instrument operation; standardizes, performs, and calculates results of a variety of complex tests. Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of routine, non-routine and specialized test procedures using manual techniques and/or instruments in accordance with established protocol. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintain instruments by examining the function, rechecking conditions of test performance and evaluating reaction systems and/or procedural techniques. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures; correlates quantitative data with patient to verify results. Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for editing and verifying results recorded into the computer system. Maintains appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of the clinical laboratory. Maintains safety and cleanliness of the laboratory; follows all appropriate OSHA and HIPPA guidelines Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Work Schedule: Full-time 8-hours tours, with nightshift or dayshift tours, rotating weekends and holidays based on the needs of the service. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52831A, 52832A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Technologists (MTs) must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Certification: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry). Select the appropriate answer below. NOTE: Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed one year as a graduate medical technologist. This appointment may not be extended. Education and/or Experience Combination: 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 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 (2) 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 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 (5) 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. Grade Determinations: GS-7 Grade Level: Employees at this level serve in an entry level Medical Technologist (MT) career development position practicing under close supervision of an MT at or above the full performance level. Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-9 Grade Level: This is considered the full performance level for nonsupervisory positions. The Medical Technologist at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. Experience: Must have one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7), which is directly related to the position to be filled; OR Education: Must have a Master's degree or two (2) academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in Medical Technology or directly related field. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) for the GS-9 grade level. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. References: VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position involves Heavy Lifting (up to 40 lbs.); Heavy Carrying (up to 40 lbs.); Straight Pulling (1-2 hours); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder (occasional); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (1 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Sitting (up to 6 hours); Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted). 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. 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. 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.