Summary The incumbent serves as an Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in the Send-Outs/Processing Section within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, performing key duties in the clinical laboratory. Responsibilities Duties and tasks include but are not limited to the following: Evaluates the suitability of each specimen for analysis, requesting a new specimen if determined to be unusable. Accessions and prepares specimen for analysis according to established procedures. Follows established procedure for handling of mislabeled, unlabeled, or unsuitable specimens. Prepares specimens for pick-up or shipment as appropriate, following all regulatory guidelines, policies, and procedures. Receives reference laboratory reports, enters and verifies the results into the laboratory computer system in a timely manner. Maintains open communication with reference laboratories' customer service and information departments to troubleshoot any problems within the system or missing samples. Monitors reference laboratory communications to stay apprised of changes in methodology, test codes, pricing or other test information and responds accordingly to ensure continuity of test availability. This may include recommending contracting modifications or working with Laboratory Information Managers to update test information in the computer system; or notifying laboratory staff and/or medical staff of updates to test requirements or availability. Provides professional and technical advice to phlebotomists and other laboratory staff as well as medical staff regarding referral testing procedures and esoteric testing menu. Maintains strict patient confidentiality at all times. Assists supervisor in gathering data for quality assurance purposes. Reports any discrepancies to the supervisor in a timely manner. Generates informational and statistical reports using the VA computer system. Knowledgeable of VA's record keeping requirements, record storage and information retrieval. Incumbent generates monthly, quarterly and yearly reports when required and reviews all reports for accuracy. Familiar with system for ordering send-out supplies such as special collection containers, special media, aliquot tubes, shipping bags, labels, forms, etc. Maintains a list and inventory of supplies for the section to ensure adequate supplies are available and makes emergency orders when appropriate. Assists in the establishment and review of all procedures within the Send-Outs/Processing department. Makes recommendations for changes or modifications to the supervisor. Also works with the laboratory supervisor to develop and implement protocols for the performance of new tests in the section. Correlates test results, establishes parameters, and monitors conformity to protocols. Additional Information: Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Telework: Not Authorized Functional Statement #: 92684-0 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required 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: 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) i ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ASCP, Board of Registry. American Medical Technologists. OR American Association of Bioanalysts. Grade Determinations: Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-07. Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-06 grade level - and demonstrate the KSAs below. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the advanced KSAs: Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests. Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing. Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes. Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment. Knowledge of laboratory information technology (IT) systems including troubleshooting systems issues, interface requirements between new instruments and existing IT infrastructure and laboratory IT test development. Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration along with continuing education and employee orientation to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements. Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. Ability to assist with quality management activities in the laboratory, including monitoring and evaluating quality in accordance with CLIA and CAP, conducting quality improvement activities and communicating quality management results. 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-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is at the GS-7. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tests, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center. The work involves sitting at a microscope or computer, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time. Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling; 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. 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: 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/. 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. VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.