MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST (MT/MLS/CLS) Core Laboratory - Generalist

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST (MT/MLS/CLS)
Core Laboratory - Generalist

SALARY - $68,827 - $132,427 (GS-07/09/11 Scale based on education / experience)

Available for qualified candidates!
-Shift Differential
-EDRP (Education Debt Reduction Program) authorized

Department of Veterans Affairs
John Cochran VA Medical Center
Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service
915 N. Grand Blvd
St. Louis MO 63106

VACANCIES:
Work Schedule: Night shift
Night Shift: 11:00pm - 7:30am
NOTE: Rotating Weekends & Holidays are required. Alternate work schedules may be available.

SUMMARY
As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the Nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries. VA professionals feel good about their careers and their ability to balance work and home life. VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities.
For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.vacareers.va.gov/.

DUTY STATION: The duty station is at the John Cochran Division however, the duty station may be changed to one or multiple associated VAMC locations within the metropolitan St.
Louis, MO area based on the needs of the medical center.

EDRP: The incumbent for this position may be eligible to apply for the Education Debt
Reduction Program. Please contact Human Resources at this medical center and speak with the Education Debt Reduction Program Coordinator for additional information.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent serves in one or more sections of the laboratory, such as microbiology, chemistry, coagulation, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), serology and urinalysis. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and for environmental samples using manual or automated techniques.

DUTIES INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unsuitable. Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiological state of the specimen properties is maintained.
• Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.

Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections.

• Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports.
• Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring.

Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs.

• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly.
• Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system.
• May help to instruct/train new employees or students in the laboratory.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.

Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others)

• Organizes work and set priorities to meet deadlines.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYEMENT

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English

QUALIFICATIONS

BASIC REQUIRMENTS:
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. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

EDUCATION:

A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S.must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S.program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreigneducational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programsmeet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following:

(1)Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program.

OR (2)The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.

NOTE: Possession of a certification identified below automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed. http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus- forrecog.html.

CERTIFICATION:

Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.(a)Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.(b)Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS:
GS-7 (Entry Level)

(a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-9 (Developmental Level)

(a)Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. OR (b)Education. Master’s degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.

c) In addition to the experience or education above, must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.
• Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.
• Ability to read and interpret written instructions.
• Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.

GS-11 (Full Performance Level)

(a)Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the nextlower grade level.OR (b)Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-levelgraduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree inmedical technology or a directly related science.

(c) In addition to the experience or education above, must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
• Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
• Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
• Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The incumbent must be able to perform intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); intermittent, but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to distinguish basic colors; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted)and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self- control in difficult and stressful situations; ability to wear required to personal protective equipment as required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
• 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.
• Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career- search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

BENEFITS:

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Learn more about federal benefits: https://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40.48 - $63.67 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

• Pathology

Shift availability:

• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $68,827 - $132,427