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Summary The incumbent serves in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services at John D. Dingell VA Medical Center. The incumbent serves as an Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician in the Clinical Laboratory and is responsible for performing a variety of complex and difficult laboratory procedures including both moderate and highly complex clinical laboratory testing to include but not limited to molecular testing, Polymerase Chain reaction, anaerobic testing, or Quality Assurance functions. Responsibilities Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Performs a wide variety of routine and non-routine complex tests in the areas of phlebotomy, chemistry, hematology, blood bank, urinalysis, coagulation and microbiology as assigned within established guidelines for accuracy, precision and time limits using manual and complicated automated analytical systems/equipment. The work performed by the technician requires professional knowledge and competence in the field of clinical laboratory technology. They must be able to work independently and be able to interpret and apply complex written instructions from a variety of sources (i.e. Operating procedures, CLSI documents, VA directives, and accrediting agency requirements) to determine the correct course of action. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Takes appropriate corrective action for quality control failures, and reports to the Supervisor or Lead Technologist. Performs preventive maintenance as scheduled on a variety of laboratory equipment, to minimize breakdown and delay of procedures. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Verifies accurate instrument functioning, troubleshoots instrument malfunctions and acts on any quality control shifts, trends or out of range results. Identifies unusual results or conditions which may cause erroneous results (instrument malfunctions, interfering substances, faulty operating parameters, or non-standard test procedure used. Evaluates the problem and selects appropriate corrective action. 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. Accepts responsibility for the accuracy of the results. Assists with second verification of results entered by peers. The technician takes note of supply levels as they are used and reports low levels to the Supervisor or designated Medical Technologist. Maintains work area in a clean and safe condition according to agency and accrediting requirements. The technician will accomplish all assigned competency and proficiency testing, treating those specimens as they would patient samples. All assignments will be completed in a timely manner. Complies with all facility and service level mandates for safety, use of personal protective equipment, continuing education and other mandatory activities. Utilizes all functions available on current hospital computer system with confidence and ease. Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service level safety promotions as directed by Supervisor. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with customer constructively and appropriately. Protects printed and electronic files containing data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and VHA policies. Performs other related duties as assigned. These duties may include but are not limited to some administrative duties such as manual back-up procedures during computer down times. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday; 08:00am-04:30pm; Rotating Weekends and Holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 93100-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 trial period. 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Selected applicants must maintain the required certification. Loss of Certification. Management officials, in collaboration with HR Office staff, must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with the MLT occupation who fail to maintain the required certification, which may also result in separation from employment. Qualifications 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.7403(f). 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: American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i. ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ii. ASCP, Board of Registry. American Medical Technologists. OR American Association of Bioanalysts. 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). Grandfathering Provision. All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties described in this qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/trademark/registration/certification. 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 it, the following provisions apply: Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to a lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees in an occupation requiring a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before being promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of this 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 this standard. Employees who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credential as a condition of employment. Experience. (1) Creditable Experience. To be creditable, a candidate must possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the scope of Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) practice. The candidate's experience must be evidenced by active professional practice. (Active professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as a professional MLT). (2) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time work week. For example, one week of full-time credit equals two weeks of half-time work. (3) Quality of Experience. Experience is creditable if it is directly related to ML T duties equal to or exceeding professional ML T experience at the next lower grade level. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher­ level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement: GS-07 Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. Assignment-specific KSAs are designated with an asterisk (*) and are only required if that task is required of the position. This experience may include, but is not limited to: Using independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results. Performing day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care. This includes providing pre-analytic instructions to patients, VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens. Using processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and accurately labeling and sorting patient specimens. Operating and maintaining all instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples. Analyzing laboratory findings and issue necessary reports. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 CUA and CAP, conducting quality improvement activities and communicating quality management results. Preferred Experience: Experience in Microbiology, plating specimens, reading plated specimens, knowledge of normal flora and pathogens by source, using Microbiology analyzers for identification and susceptibility testing for pathogenic bacteria and yeast , knowledge of quality control practices and performing PCR testing. 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-07. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs); As needed - Straight pulling, pushing, walking, standing, repeated bending, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required; both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; ability to see and distinguish depth perception, basic colors, and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted). In addition, the ability to deal with constant noise, work around machinery with moving parts, work closely with others or alone and work protracted or irregular hours. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript (official or unofficial) must be submitted with your application. A copy of your certificate/degree or screenshot of your current classes are not a replacement of your transcript and will not be used in the qualifying process. Your official or unofficial transcript MUST reflect: name of the college or university, full address of the college or university, your name, class title(s) with the number of credits earned/completed, the degree received, if applicable, and date degree conferred. 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/. Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign MLT programs are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a current certification as described in subparagraph 4.c. 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. 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. 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. 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.