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: Must be proficient in written and spoken English 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)
• Certification: Must possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations
• American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) ASCP, Board of Registry (BOR) American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• OR American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) GS-7 GRADE DETERMINATION: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, must have one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level
• PLEASE NOTE: To be equivalent to the GS-6 level, experience must have also been earned while having an active MLT certification as described in the previous question
• Reference: GS-6 Assignment: At the full performance level, MLTs use independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results
• MLTs perform 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
• MLTs use processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and they accurately label and sort patient specimens
• MLTs operate and maintain all instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples
• MLTs at this level analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports
• The results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures are discussed with supervisors, pathologists and other medical professionals as needed
• Must possess the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's)
• The following KSAs should be reflected within your resume or on a separate document with your application package: Knowledge of techniques to instruct students and newly hired staff to properly perform tests and application of laboratory procedures
• Skill in conducting laboratory procurement procedures to maintain appropriate levels of reagent and supply inventories
• Ability to provide technical oversight to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload
• Ability to plan staff training to address needs
• Preferred Experience: Possession of certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) granted by ASCP, AMT, or AAB
• Experience performing high-complexity testing in areas such as clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, microbiology, immunohematology (blood banking), and molecular testing (PCR)
• Experience assisting with quality management activities, including monitoring and evaluating quality in accordance with CLIA and CAP standards, and preparing for regulatory inspections and accreditations
• Experience providing training and guidance to laboratory staff, incorporating educational methodology for in-service and continuing education programs
• Experience in leadership, staff scheduling, and critical thinking Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.