at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in North Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary Medical Technologists at this level perform more complex laboratory functions. 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. Responsibilities Functions: MTs at the GS-10 level carry out all of the testing responsibilities of the GS-9, but have higher levels of professional responsibilities and expertise. MTs at this level generally have a higher level of professional oversight responsibilities and may have responsibility for a specific large-scale automated analytical instrument system, including COR responsibilities; a specific area of laboratory functions, such as employee competency records, supply functions, laboratory safety, quality control review, new method development or employee or student training; or provide professional and technical advice to other technicians and technologists on alternate tours of duty. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Duties and responsibilities may include any combination of those found at the GS-11 level; however, individuals in these assignments are not given the freedom of action typically found at the higher level. Duties/Tasks Serves as primary operator on new test systems Assumes responsibility to maintain operations including preventive maintenance and training on the operation of new test systems Assists in writing procedures and other documents as directed Modifies or adapts new methods or techniques to improve or expand services Develops protocols for performance of tests and evaluation of results. Ensures that laboratory tests and procedures are consistent with accrediting agencies standards and requirements. Recognizes methodology limitations such as linearity, interference, sensitivity, and specificity and considers these when drawing conclusions about the validity of testing results. Performs validation/method verification studies for new systems. Monitors and maintains inventory including reagents, calibrators, quality control, etc. Consults with healthcare providers on logical protocol to follow in attempting to confirm the diagnosis or risk assessment of a patient. Provides technical advice to staff and other health care members Assists with staff competency assessment as applicable. Direct staff in workflow and daily bench assignments/duties. Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988. Assumes responsibility for the instruction and coordination of teaching activities for Medical Technology students in order to fulfill the requirements of a NAACLS-accredited CLS Program. Supervisory Controls: The department supervisor outlines assignment parameters, deadlines, and priorities and provides advice on how to proceed when unusual problems are encountered. The technologist plans and carries out the procedures necessary to complete the work assignment and handles problems and corrects errors in accordance with established protocols or accepted laboratory practices. The supervisor reviews the work reports for the technical soundness and conformity to policy and established requirements. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as bacteriology, chemistry (including endocrinology and toxicology), molecular biology, coagulation, flow cytometry, genetics, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), mycology, parasitology, serology, urinalysis, and virology. Such positions include 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 including the public. Work Schedule: First Shift variable start times(float lead) Compressed/Flexible: N/AEDRP Authorized: Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: N/A Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: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. 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: MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education and/or Experience Combination (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED): 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 bach
