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
• 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) ASCP, Board of Certification
• ASCP, Board of Registry
• American Medical Technologists
• American Association of Bioanalysts
• 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
• 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)
• 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment in paragraph 4, VA HR staff must use the following criteria to determine the appropriate grade assignment of candidates
• Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-05
• (a) Experience
• None beyond the basic requirements
• (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• None
• (c) Assignment
• This is an entry-level developmental MLT position
• MLTs will typically receive guidance from experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision
• MLTs at this level perform testing in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, phlebotomy, hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, toxicology, urinalysis, referral laboratory, microbiology and specimen processing
• MLTs recognize data with life-threatening (critical) implications and understand the importance of immediately bringing the data to the attention of the patient's physician and/or nursing staff
• Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-06
• (a) Experience
• In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level
• (b) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work
• ii Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems
• iii Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation
• iv Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments
• v Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results
• vi Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions
• vii Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers
• (c) Assignment
• At the full performance level, MLTs use independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results
• MLTs perform day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care
• This includes providing pre-analytic instructions to patients, VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens
• MLTs use processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and they accurately label and sort patient specimens
• MLTs operate and maintain all instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples
• MLTs at this level analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports
• The results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures are discussed with supervisors, pathologists and other medical professionals as needed
• Preferred Experience: 1 year experience References: VA Handbook 5005/158 Part II Appendix G69 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.