Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician

Summary This position falls within Pathology and Laboratory at the Eastern Colorado Health System VA HealthCare System and at this level has a higher-level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expectedto carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The incumbent serves as Medical Laboratory Technician performing a wide variety of laboratory tests on blood, urine and other body fluids of the Pathology and Laboratory Medical Service Line. Responsibilities Duties & skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to : Performs Laboratory Tests and Reports Findings : Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and / or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. This position includes attention to details in all aspects of laboratory procedures, positive identification of patients and specimens, accurate testing, documentation and reporting of results. Requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory and other healthcare professionals, and others in the medical center setting. The incumbent is qualified and certified to work independently in all areas of competence. Establishes acceptable criteria for control / documentation / protocol pertaining to test or examination procedures. Accepts responsibility for the accuracy of the results and for the adequacy of the results in furthering clinical objectives. Performs tests that are new and involve very fine distinctions. Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of non-routine and specialized test procedures using manual and / or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; seeks to locate and implement corrections. Maintains and controls laboratory records in accordance with accreditation agency requirements. Incumbent is responsible for presenting the data to the supervisor in a logical and systematic fashion. The technician is responsible for data analysis including arithmetic calculations. Algebra, graphing of data using interactive computer programs and statistical evaluations. Evaluates and maintains detailed records of all experimental or other protocols and results are neatly kept and catalogued in appropriate format. Records information pertaining to the storage of specimens or reagents and completes appropriate tracking / inventory system information. Establishes record keeping systems to assure the accuracy and validity of test results, as required. Maintains Equipment / Supplies / Facilities / Customer Service / Maintains Technical Proficiency / Safety Maintains the laboratory facilities and equipment and controls supplies. Determines compliance with safety requirements, establishes inventory and equipment maintenance requirements and maintains appropriate inventories and maintenance schedules. Maintains laboratory stock and orders materials, as needed. Maintains the laboratory in a clean and safe condition according to agency or accreditation requirements. Calibrates and maintains laboratory instrumentation on timely intervals to minimize breakdown and delay of procedures. Promptly and accurate responds to temperature and humidity alarms which is a critical life safety issue. This is a Joint Commission requirement for compliance with storing laboratory supplies. Responsible for reporting any readings outside of normal compliance with regulatory standards for maintaining laboratory supplies. Meets the needs of external and internal customers while adhering to and role models VA mission statements. Always maintains a positive attitude focusing on the customer and customer service satisfaction. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Maintains technical currency through formal education and training and networking. Ensures the adequacy of scientific knowledge applied in the performance of required tests. Participates in conferences or training. Regularly applies concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests. Regularly applies new scientific / technical developments and theories to laboratory testing. Works independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes. Troubleshoots and repairs advanced complex laboratory equipment. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule : Monday-Friday 3 : 30PM - 11 : 30PM rotating holidays / weekends Telework : Not Available Virtual : This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement # : 554-58703-A 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. 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 : MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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) i ASCP, Board of Certification. ASCP, Board of Registry. American Medical Technologists. OR American Association of Bioanalysts. 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. 3 For grade levels above full performance level, the candidate must be certified in accordance with paragraph 4.c.(1) above. Foreign Education : Graduates of foreign MLT programs are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a current certification as described in subparagraph 4.c. 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 : Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-07 : Experience : In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. Assignment-specific KSAs are designated with an asterisk (

• and are only required if that task is required of the position, as indicated below. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs 1-4 and the advanced KSA as identified by the corresponding asterisks if MLTs are assigned advanced MLT duties : Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests. Skill in applying new scientific / technical developments and theories to laboratory testing. Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes. Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific / advanced complex laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory information technology (IT) systems including troubleshooting systems issues, interface requirements between new instruments and existing IT infrastructure and laboratory IT test development.
• Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration along with continuing education and employee orientation to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements.
• Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards.
• Ability to assist with quality management activities in the laboratory, including monitoring and evaluating quality in accordance with CLIA and CAP, conducting quality improvement activities and communicating quality management results. Assignments : MLTs at this level have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to independently carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. They are responsible for performing difficult specialized tasks including, but not limited to, advanced blood banking (antibody titers, elutions), advanced microbiology (Mycobacterium (Acid Fast Bacillus) Identification and Sensitivities, Mycology Identification, Virology, Anaerobic Culture, Polymerase Chain Reaction testing), molecular testing, high complexity testing, recording workload statistics, quality management projects and obtaining data for validation studies. Advanced MLTs may be expected to independently operate the full range of laboratory functions at remote sites. Their duties consist of advanced operation, training and comprehensive troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and resolving any problems. MLTs at this level may act as key operators for specific instrumentation. Advanced duties may also include one or more of the tasks identified below. When these duties are required, advanced MLTs must also demonstrate corresponding KSA(s) as identified by the asterisk(s) below.
• Laboratory Information Management : Carry out day-to-day operations related to laboratory information systems / computer use and system maintenance. (KSA 5)
• Safety Coordination : Oversee safe handling of specimens, chemicals and equipment by all staff and ensure compliance with safety regulations. (KSA 6)
• Laboratory Education : Plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for laboratory staff to meet accreditation requirements. (KSA 7)
• Quality Management : Coordinate quality management activities within the laboratory and ensure compliance with required standards of quality. (KSA 8) Preferred Experience : Hospital experience Reference : For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is 7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 7. Physical Requirements : The position primarily involves work performed in both sitting and standing positions with occasional requirements to lift objects, computer work and operating office equipment. The position requires the ability to process written and electronic information. The work requires the ability to physically control or defend against emotionally distressed patients. The work requires above average agility and dexterity due to the fine skills of some of the point of care lab testing. The work may require heavy lifting of equipment or patients however standing and bending for a prolonged period of time, walking, lifting up to 20 pounds, kneeling, and some climbing of stairs is also required. The work requires manual dexterity, a large degree of concentration, and working at top speed for several hours at a time. The ability to distinguish colors and color intensity is required. The Medical Technician may be required to commute between two outpatient clinics with the workweek, depending on the clinic workload. 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 : 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 : 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.