Medical Laboratory Technician

This position is in the Core Laboratory and Phlebotomy Sections of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Program, reporting to the Supervisory Medical Technologist. Major duties include, but may not be limited to: FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE The medical laboratory technician accessions samples and receives requests for testing into the laboratory computer information system by automated and manual methods. The medical laboratory technician places orders into the laboratory information system for samples which arrive on manual requisitions ensuring the correct test is ordered. The medical laboratory technician ensures that samples are collected correctly in the correct tubes with the correct anticoagulants, labeled correctly, at the correct temperature, and specimen integrity is maintained. The medical laboratory technician processes samples prior to testing by centrifuging, aliquoting, storing samples properly, separates and delivers samples to the correct section for testing. The medical laboratory technician recognizes the specimen priority and alerts the testing section upon delivery. The medical laboratory technician instructs and provides guidance to patients, families, and other healthcare workers on how to collect and store specimens for multiple tests including but not limited to random urine tests, 24-hour urine tests, stool tests, respiratory tests, and cultures. The medical laboratory technician receives these samples and ensures they are collected properly according to the instructions provided. The medical laboratory technician transcribes completed laboratory reports received from reference laboratories into the laboratory information computer system. The medical laboratory technician is responsible for maintain inventory and supplies for sample collection including but not limited to specimen collection containers and supplies, aliquot containers, requisitions, special kits and tubes and computer supplies. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The work of the medical laboratory technician is under the supervisory control of the supervisory medical technologist. The Supervisor assigns work and provides general assignments, deadlines and priorities, reviews work reports, and advises on how to proceed when unusual problems are encountered. Medical laboratory technician independently plans and carries out procedures, handles routine problems, and corrects errors according to accepted laboratory policies. Selects an analytical approach appropriate for each assay, the degree of quantification desired, carries out the successive steps, identifies problems, and determines corrective action in accordance with established policies. Makes independent decisions regarding special requests. The Supervisor or Pathologist-On-Call will aid with situations not covered by written guidelines CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUIREMENT Meets the needs of all customers while supporting the Medical Center and Service missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all Medical Center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. AGE, DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL NEEDS OF PATIENTS Provides care and/or services appropriate to the age of the patients being served, and which is appropriate to the cognitive; emotional, and chronological maturation of the patient. Assesses data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs and to provide care needed as described in the services' policies and procedures. Takes into consideration age-related differences of the various veteran populations with this institution. Demonstrate the knowledge of the changes associated with aging and possess the ability to provide care/support based upon age related factors. Ensures staff receives training in these categories. COMPUTER SECURITY REQUIREMENT Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA guidelines. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs. Work Schedule: M-F 7:00am-3:30pm, 7:30am-4:00pm, 9:00am-5:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS-0645-5-6 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. 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. OR ASCP, Board of Registry. American Medical Technologists. OR American Association of Bioanalysts. Exception. 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: Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-05 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: None Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-06 Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments. Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results. Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions. Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers. Preferred Experience: Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain. 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.