Medical Technologist

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit the 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 a complete review of the application. Basic Eligibility and Qualification 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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter2, sectionD, paragraph5a. Education and/or Experience Combination (choose one of the following): Bachelor's degree or higher in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or a related scientific field, and completion of a medical technology clinical practice program accredited by NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES. Bachelor's degree with 16 semester hours of biological science (including one microbiology course), 16 semester hours of chemistry (including one organic or biochemistry course), one course in mathematics, plus two years of post‑certification clinical laboratory experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, or clinical microscopy within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP‑BOC, ASCP‑BOR, or AMT). Bachelor's degree with the same curricular requirements plus five years of clinical laboratory experience performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and clinical microscopy within the last ten years. Foreign Graduates : Degrees from foreign facilities may satisfy the requirements if the degree is considered equivalent to U.S. accredited programs or if clinical experience meets the outlined criteria. Certification Requirements Must currently possess appropriate certification as an MT, MLS, or CLS issued by ASCP‑BOC, ASCP‑BOR, or AMT. May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision for current VHA employees who meet the criteria. Grade Determinations and Experience GS‑10 : Requires 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to GS‑9. GS‑9 Experience Definition (Key Knowledge, Skills & Abilities) : Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories for independent work. Proficiency in laboratory quality control and assurance procedures, performance improvement, inventory management, and documentation. 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. Use of 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 understanding of laboratory processes. Communication, consultation and interaction with healthcare team members, external relations, customer service, and patient education. Demonstrated KSAs : Apply a wide range of concepts, principles and methodologies for advanced techniques. Modify or adapt established methods, procedures or techniques to resolve difficult or complex problems. Know laboratory regulatory requirements. Provide or coordinate staff development and training. Preferred Experience – MT/MLS certification with at least 1 year of experience. Physical Requirements Participation in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the hiring process. Major Duties Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures, including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. Execute advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognize deviations from expected results and analyze and correct problems using scientific principles. Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis. Maintain and document optimal functioning of laboratory equipment, including calibration, identification of malfunctions, repairs, and preventive maintenance. Diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Perform and document quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions using statistical principles. Adhere to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity. Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions. Respond to inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, and sensitivity. Interpret results, suggest follow‑up test selection or procedures, and evaluate implementation of new techniques and procedures. Interpret findings and make recommendations based on principles of educational methodology for training new employees and students. Communicate effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provide excellent service to healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders. Give direction and guidance regarding laboratory testing principles. Serve as sole representative of the laboratory for all tasks, questions, and maintenance for more than 25% of the scheduled shift. Perform complex maintenance procedures and act as the in‑house expert for troubleshooting. Update evening personnel via procedure manual as overnight duties change and recommend policy changes for non‑routine or complex assignments. Train other MT/CLS/MLS personnel to complete overnight tasks in a professional, accurate, and prompt manner. Work Schedule 6:30pm to 7:00am, 7 days on and 7 days off. Recruitment Incentive and Relocation Sign‑on Bonus: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions or assistance. Pay and Benefits Competitive salary with regular increases; higher step rate may be determined based on qualifications. Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual PTO per year (includes annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays). Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of employment for birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Child Care Subsidy: Eligible after 60 days of employment for families with total income below $144,000; up to 25% of eligible childcare costs. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care (many federal programs can be carried into retirement). Telework: Not Available; Virtual: Not a virtual position. PCS: Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report Not required. #J-18808-Ljbffr