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The Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician position is assigned to P&LMS at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC. The incumbent performs both routine and difficult and complex laboratory testing as assigned (including, but not limited to laboratory testing in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, accessioning, send outs, and serology sections). Medical laboratory technicians use microscopes, centrifuges, incubators, balances and other instruments to analyze body fluids.
11/18/2024 to 12/03/2024
$49,025 - $63,733 per year
GS 7
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
No
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
None
No
Yes
No
CBTB-12569961-25-TM
819501600
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Current excepted service federal employees.
This vacancy announcement is open to the public.
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
Duties include but not limited to:
Incumbent reports to technical supervisor or Pathologist. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiologic processes and requirements. Accepts and/or documents incoming patient specimens using the designated computer system (or backup system) as per established policies and procedures.
Controls physical conditions and responds to time factors to ensure that the physiological state of the specimen and the quality of patient care is maintained. Reports all specimen problems according to established guidelines. Verifies accuracy, completeness and validity in the testing process. Logs rejected specimens according to laboratory/departmental policy and delete accessions according to laboratory policy. Adheres to requirements to accomplish plans to assure successful accreditation by regulatory agencies such as Joint Commission, CAP, CUA, FDA, American Association of Blood Banks and other governing bodies.
In microbiology, specializes in performing gram stains, infectious disease testing, immunochemical fecal occult blood testing, vaginosis DNA testing, and complex PCR testing. Performs a variety of diagnostic tests and makes macroscopic examinations of cultures of numerous species of bacteria for the purpose of positive identification when performing pharmacy aseptic technique assessments.
In hematology, performs complex testing such as coagulation studies including prothrombin testing, activated partial thromboplastin testing, fibrinogen testing, and D-Dimer testing. Performs body fluid crystal analysis and microscopic urinalysis reviews. n chemistry (typically in the specialized chemistry unit of the section), performs blood gas testing.
Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Maintains laboratory in a clean and safe condition according to agency and accreditation requirements. Troubleshoots and repairs instrumentation. Recognizes indicators of malfunction and evaluates validity of data.
While performing a full range of biochemical tests, must have an extensive knowledge of instrumentation to install, calibrate, troubleshoot and resolve problems. Calibrates at timely and/or established intervals to minimize break downs and delay of procedures. Performs and monitors quality control. When controls fall outside acceptable limits, employee uses independent judgment, in conjunction with standard operating procedures, to evaluate the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures, correlating and integrating information and perform additional testing to confirm abnormal results. Monitors specimens and the environment for acceptability.
Helps to maintain an effective liaison with biomedical engineering personnel from Healthcare Technology Management and/or manufacturer's technical service representatives to help assure optimal uninterrupted services. Ensures that sufficient supply of reagents, standards and controls are available at all times to assure that the inventory is adequate for uninterrupted functioning of all instruments. Is responsible for preparation of reagents, controls. etc. as required. Recommends changes in procedure to improve efficiency, accuracy and safety. Conducts all work according to laboratory safety regulations. Assists in training employees in laboratory procedures and laboratory safety. Accountable to technical supervisor or Pathologist to report conditions and progress on eliminating discrepancies.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 534-555009F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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/.
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.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/03/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12569961.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/819501600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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