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. 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. Learn more 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: 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 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 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. Certification. Candidates must have either (1) or (2): (1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT.(2) 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. Exception. 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 under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). This appointment may not be extended. Preferred qualifications and experience: The ideal candidate would have a Bachelor's degree (BS) in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Service, or Medical Laboratory Science with ASCP certification: MT(ASCP) or MLS(ASCP). The applicant should have a demonstrated history of job stability and preferably have a minimum of 3 years' experience working in Blood Bank including performing pre and post transfusion testing, antibody workups, inventory management, QC and equipment use and maintenance. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above, the following education and experience criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-9 (Full Performance Level): Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled OR Must have Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) in addition to meeting their education or experience requirement: 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 G24The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-9. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 30 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain. ["The Medical Technologist performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. The MT/CLS must 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 including the public. Medical Technologist (Transfusion Medicine / Send Outs): Recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technology occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures in the Transfusion Medicine and Send-Out Section, recognizes deviation from expected results, and analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles Performs the full range of Transfusion Medicine procedures including ABO/Rh, antibody screen, antibody identification, cross-matching, antigen typing, donor unit confirmation, component modifications, issuance of blood products, Transfusion Reaction workups, Quality Control testing, and documentation of all testing in the Facility's Electronic Medical Record. Responsible for shipping samples to reference laboratories following all policies and procedures. Tracking packages, checking incomplete lists, resulting samples and sending notification to providers when indicated. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment and immediately informs the Section Supervisor of any deviations or malfunctions. Uses, calibrates, repairs and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Recognizes deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction, initiates corrective action and informs the Section Supervisor of corrective actions taken Incumbent reviews and correlates analytical data to verify validity and accuracy of findings and accurately verifies laboratory test results using laboratory data processing software and laboratory SOPs. Incumbent screens all test results to detect discrepancies, artifacts or possible contamination and initiates additional testing as necessary. Incorporates principles of educational methodologies in the instruction and training of new employees, students, Pathology residents, and clinicians on theoretical and practical aspects of test performance. This may include, but is not limited to procedures, instrument function, quality control, quality management and reporting of test results. Receives, accessions, and processes incoming samples per SOP from all areas of the hospital and outlying clinics. Participates in Section Performance Improvement projects as assigned. Serves as a member of the Pathology Essential Personnel Team (Hurricane Team). Manages inventory to ensure patient testing is not interrupted and utilizes laboratory supplies in a cost-effective manner with a minimum of waste Work Schedule: Alternate Work Schedule: \"7-On / 7-Off\" 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM (Overnight Tour) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. EDRP Authorized: EDRP is authorized for this position. Contact Christopher.Billiot@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Functional Statement #: 629- Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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