Summary

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 1st, 2024, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

03/20/2024 to 09/30/2024

* Salary

$70,812 - $92,055 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 9

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Location

2 vacancies in the following location:

* Montgomery, AL

* Remote job

* Telework eligible

* Travel Required

Not required

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

* Appointment type

Permanent -

* Work schedule

Full-time -

* Service

Excepted

* Promotion potential

None

* Job family (Series)

0644 Clinical Laboratory Science

* Supervisory status

* Security clearance

Other

* Drug test

Yes

* Announcement number

CBTB-12350507-24-MH

* Control number

782521900

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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 job is open to all U.S. Citizens.

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Duties

Total Rewards: Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

Medical Technologist: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technologist-Career-Flyer.pdf

The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) is a consolidated health care system that includes VA Medical Centers in Montgomery and Tuskegee Alabama as well as Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) in Dothan, Ft. Rucker, and Monroeville, Alabama, Fort Benning and Columbus, Georgia and the Montgomery VA Clinic.

The Medical Technologist is responsible for performing procedures in the areas of Blood Bank, Chemistry and Special Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Urinalysis, Microbiology, Immunohematology, Phlebotomy, Shipping and Receiving and Reference Laboratory. They will serve in the clinical laboratory with responsibility for performing a variety of standardized routine and specialized tests procedures, including complex analyses and infrequently non-standard tests; evaluating abnormal results; using and maintaining equipment and setting up and monitoring elements of quality control program.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

* selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of routine and specialized test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with the established protocols.

* processes specimens using equipment, instruments, or techniques that are required for specific procedures, controls, physical conditions; responds to time factors to insure that the physiologic state of specimen is maintained.

* prepares specimen for analysis, reagents, setting up equipment, verifies instrument operation; calibrates, standardizes, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of test procedures (including the more complex and difficult procedures) using manual and /or instrumental techniques.

* identifies unusual results or discrepancies/conditions which cause erroneous results (instrument malfunctions, conditions or test performance, reactions systems, and/or test procedures used.) Takes appropriate action to make corrections and solve problems.

* evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures. correlates quantitative, biochemical, physiologic and morphologic data with other laboratory data (e.g., blood smear estimates with leukocyte and platelet counts, RBC appearance with indicators, CKMB with other enzyme analyses) and/or other patient data (history, physical findings, medications) to verify results. Performs additional test to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results and reports results of verification procedure.

* performs daily administrative functions to including pending list review, quality control is completed, reviewed with appropriate actions and associated documentation, shipping documents and communication for the next shift is relayed; conducts testing required by external proficiency testing programs; manages inventory of all reagents, supplies and blood components.

* educates clinical laboratory science interns on a rotational basis in all sections of the laboratory,

* performs other duties as assigned by the Supervisory Medical Technologist and/or Laboratory Manager.

Work Schedule: Split shift on days/evenings 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM, based on the needs of the service.

Compressed/Flexible: Compressed - work 7 days, off 7 days. Full-time schedule includes 3 days of twelve hour shifts and 4 days of 11 hour shifts. The times are flexible but may start and end between the hours of 10am-11pm and would include weekends and holidays.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized.

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 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 $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: Not available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 619-020-FS

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 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.

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

successful completion of 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.

AND

successful completion of 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.

Certification: Candidates must have either (1) or (2):

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

(2) For positions up to the full performance level (GS-9), 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/SC) 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. For grade levels above the full performance level, the candidate must be certified in accordance with paragraph 2d(1) above.

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).

GS-09 Grade Determination:

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

Education. Must have Master's 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 and/or education listed above in the basic requirements, qualified candidates must be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's):

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.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements: Completion of a satisfactory physical examination as determined by the Employee Health Unit upon appointment only is a must. Depending upon the area of the Laboratory assigned, there may be long periods of standing, sitting, walking; long periods of using microscope; or long periods of specimen processing. Other physical exertion may include reaching for supplies or materials and lifting moderately heavy items such as centrifuges and record boxes (or occasionally lifting heavier items such as reagent packs). The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as dexterity to perform intricate collection or analysis procedures and color vision. Additionally, there are long periods of concentration and working under pressure to produce accurate test results as quickly as possible. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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

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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

* 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.

Review our benefits

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.