Medical Technologist - Fayetteville, United States - Department of Veterans Affairs

Description

Summary

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.

Program 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.

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Overview

• Accepting applications
• Open & closing dates

05/03/2024 to 05/17/2024

• Salary

$79,963 - $103,949 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 11

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Fayetteville, AR 1 vacancy
• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

• Travel Required

25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent -* Work schedule

Full-time -* Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

None

• Job family (Series)

0644 Clinical Laboratory Science

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Not Required

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBST AB

• Control number

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This job is open to

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

1st Area of Consideration - current permanent Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks employees including satellites.

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Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Medical Technologist:


Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Monitors compliance with the Laboratory Quality Management Program.
• Provides technical oversight related to all regulatory and/or accreditation compliance questions across the VHSO laboratory system.
• Makes site visits to each site requiring accreditation or subject to regulation b and/or other laboratory regulating or accrediting bodies, quarterly with a minimum of 2 visits per year.
• Participates as the Chair of the VHSO P&LMS Quality Performance Improvement Committee.
• Ensures each site laboratory adheres to all practices and regulations related to workplace safety according to all OSHA, TJC, CAP, and other regulatory bodies.
• Performs periodic inspections, alone or in conjunction with other Quality & Patient Safety Service program managers and specialists, the laboratory safety officer, or other safety personnel.
• Makes policy and procedure recommendations.
• Reviews data across laboratory sections/sites to meet P&LMS performance measures.
• Promotes reengineering and continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory setting and throughout the organization as appropriate.
• Upholds a laboratory performance improvement program and ensures measurement of performance monitors and customer feedback.
• Ensures effective processes and system controls to ensure the highest possible product quality, service quality, and patient safety.
• Works as a consultant with leadership to eliminate waste and variation while increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of all laboratory and related hospital operations.
• Reviews laboratory processes to assess that laboratory site site policies, procedures, and practices are standardized and consistent.
• Ensures the proper application of standards set by regulatory and accrediting bodies, including National Enforcement Office standards, VHA handbook 1106.1, The Joint Commission, CLIA, and CAP.
• Provides resources on Quality, Performance, and Process Improvement principles and practices as required to meet performance measures, regulatory and accrediting requirements, and standardization across the VHSO system.
• Develops tracking/monitoring methods to ensure accurate data collection and reporting.
• Develops methods for qualitative, statistical, or graphical display of data.
• Prepares and presents evaluations/analyses, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective action plans to management and/or appropriate committees.
• Develops and presents briefings and reports on study/project status to all levels of management and staff as required. Respond to questions and requests for information, interpret data, and provide background information.
• Evaluates process measurement results for applicability and accuracy. Completes study/project reports and presents information in an understandable and actionable way.
• Works independently in prioritizing, planning, and determining methods to accomplish work assignments within the parameters of existing policies, procedures, and operating instructions.
• Serves as P&LMS authority on internal and external regulations, standards, and requirements, including The Joint Commission, CLIA, CAP, and other relevant bodies.
• Communicates effectively with and develops working relationships with leadership, professionals, and administrative and technical personnel at all levels of the organization.

Work Schedule: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday

Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized:
Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

Pay:
Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Parental Leave:

After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy:

After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

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:
Available


Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.


Functional Statement #:
F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized


Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required

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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 evaluation.
• 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


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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• 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.
• Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described above.

This finding may be based on either of the following:
(1) A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree. (2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination. -* Certification: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT.

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:
Medical Technologist - Quality Management Technologist, GS-11

(a) Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-9), which is directly related to the position.

OR,

(b) Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or Ph.
D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or directly related field.

In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

a.

Advanced knowledge of the concepts, principles and practices of medical technology sufficient to perform the full range of duties involved in planning, coordinating and evaluating laboratory services.

b. Knowledge of quality management standards.

c. Knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements pertaining to laboratory operations.

d. Comprehensive knowledge of statistical evaluation and analysis. e. Knowledge of laboratory operations and relationships to the organization.

f. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control/assurance policies, procedures and principles, as well as safety practices and regulations.

Preferred Experience:

Incumbent must be experience as a Medical Technologist; Incumbent must possess some knowledge of regulatory agencies, accreditation, performance metrics, and quality/safety programming; Incumbent must have effective communication, computer, and organizational skills to support efficient administrative office functions; Incumbent must posses knowledge of VHSO health care system to include its CBOCs and the role QPS in regards to Pathology & Lab Medicine Service as Quality Manager.

References:
VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II Appendix G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standard dated May 12, 2014.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements:

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position.

May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

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

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 , 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.

NOTE:

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.

VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students.

HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

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.

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• Benefits

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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.

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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 on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.