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.

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

02/01/2024 to 09/30/2024

* Salary

$58,853 - $93,584 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 7 - 9

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Location

5 vacancies in the following location:

* Louisville, KY 5 vacancies

* Remote job

* Telework eligible

* Travel Required

Not required

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

* Appointment type

Permanent -

* Work schedule

Full-time -

* Service

Excepted

* Promotion potential

* Job family (Series)

0644 Clinical Laboratory Science

* Supervisory status

* Security clearance

Not Required

* Drug test

Yes

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

* Announcement number

CBTG-OCA-12292883-24-CGN

* Control number

774031300

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This job is open to

* The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This is an open continuous announcement open to all US Citizens. Eligible applications will be referred on regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

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Duties

The incumbent serves as a medical technologist in the general section of a clinical laboratory with responsibility for performing the full range of tests in Hematology/Coagulation, Blood Bank, Automated Chemistry, General Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Urinalysis and Microbiology; evaluating abnormal results; notifying physicians of critical lab results; using and maintaining equipment; accessioning all laboratory specimens; verification of results through the computer; and setting up and monitoring quality controls. The generalist Medical Technologist rotates through all sections of Laboratory Service as required and also works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need. The duties and responsibilities of the Medical Technologist -Generalist include, but are not limited to, the following:

* Processes specimens including CAP performance surveys using equipment, instruments, computers, or techniques that are necessary to prepare them for specific analysis; controls physical conditions; responds to time factors to ensure that the physiologic state of the specimen is maintained.

* Prepares reagents, controls, and standard solutions; verifies correct instrument operations; calibrates instrumentation when necessary, performs and calculates results for a variety of tests.

* Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections.

* Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports.

* Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs.

* Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures. Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results.

* Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly.

* Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system.

* Actively participates in both elective and all mandatory continuing education as required by laboratory and medical center administration (i.e. fire & safety, infection control, EEO yearly training, laboratory specific education, etc.). Employees who participate in continuing education offered outside the medical center are required to present to their peers a short synopsis of the program they attended. The attendance for this short segment is documented.

* Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity and sensitivity, and specific factors which influence test results.

Work Schedule: Multiple Schedules which all include weekend and holiday rotations; Specific Shifts will be discussed during the interview process.

Functional Statement #: 40167-F & 40168-F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 10% incentive may be authorized

EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN9HREDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

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 examination.

* 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.

* 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,

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:

* 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 either (1) or (2) below:

* Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT.

* For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry).

* Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed one year as a graduate medical technologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B). This appointment may not be extended.

* English Language Proficiency: MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 USC 7402 (d).

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-7 (Entry Level)

Experience: None beyond the basic qualifications

* GS-9 (Full Performance Level)

Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-7, which is directly related to the position to be filled.

OR,

Education. Must have masters degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field.

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

* Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work.

* 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.

* 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.

* Ability to use 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 the understanding of laboratory processes.

* Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0644.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-9.

Physical Requirements: Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); intermittent, but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to distinguish basic colors; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted)and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations; ability to wear required to personal protective equipment as required.

In accordance with Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages dated October 3, 2023; Medical Technologist, 0644 (all specializations are included) are not subject to Veterans Preference. This will continue until September 30, 2024. Veterans Preference will not be collected for this public announcement.

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

Grandfathering Provision: All MTs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard (May 12, 2014) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to the position, the following provisions apply:

* MTs that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.

* MTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.

* MTs initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

* If MTs who were retained in this occupation under this provision leave the occupation, the MT loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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 1193.01, 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. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

* 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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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.