Medical Technologist - Omaha, United States - Veterans Health Administration

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.

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.

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:
MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part

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 in paragraph 2b(2) or (3) above

• This finding may be based on either of the following: 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
• A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination

Certification:
Candidates must have the below 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:
GS-10: Experience

• Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9), which is directly related to the position to be filled
• GS-9 experience is defined as: 1.Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work
• 2.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
• 3.Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation
• 4.Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments
• 5
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
• 6
• Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions
• 7
• Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes
• 8
• Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1
• Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles and methodology of the field to perform advanced techniques
• 2
• Ability to modify or adapt established methods, procedures or techniques to resolve difficult or complex problems
• 3
• Knowledge of the application of laboratory regulatory requirements
• 4
• Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training
• All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package
• We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications
• Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification
• It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package

Preferred Experience:
MT/MLS Certified-1 year of MT/MLS experience preferred

References:
Handbook 5005/72 Part II Appendix G24

Physical Requirements:
You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position

• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Duties "The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Major duties:
Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation.

In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.

Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.

Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.

Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.

Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.

Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.

Interprets findings and makes recommendations.

Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program.

Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Works as the sole representative of the laboratory, carrying out all laboratory tasks, questions, maintenance, etc. for more than 25% of their scheduled tour. Performs complex maintenance procedures and is consulted as the in-house expert for troubleshooting problems.

Is responsible for updating other evening personnel via procedure manual as overnight duties change and recommends policy changes or updates for non-routine or complex assignments.

Trains other MT/CLS/MLS to complete all the overnight tasks in a professional, accurate and prompt manner.


Work Schedule:
6:30pm to 7:00am 7 days on and then 7 days off Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance


Learn more Pay:
Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience


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 $ 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:

Not Available Virtual:
This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS):

Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required"