Medical Laboratory Technician

Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. This job announcement is open to current, permanent facility employees of the Amarillo VA Health Care System only.

The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) performs the full range of clinical laboratory duties independently, requiring sound judgment, technical skill, and a thorough understanding of laboratory principles. The incumbent performs moderate and high-complexity testing across multiple sections of the laboratory, including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation, microbiology support tasks, immunohematology support tasks, specimen processing, and phlebotomy. The ML T evaluates specimen suitability, selects and performs appropriate test procedures, monitors instrument function, performs quality control, validates results, and communicates findings requiring prompt clinical attention. The incumbent identifies routine instrument malfunctions and resolves them using established troubleshooting protocols or escalates to senior staff when needed. ML Ts at this level work with minimal direct supervision, following established laboratory policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory results in support of patient care.

- Properly collects, handles, accessions, and labels specimens according to safety, infection control, and patient identification policies.
- Performs the full range of moderate and high-complexity testing independently per established protocols.
- Evaluates specimen suitability; requests recollection when necessary.
- Selects, performs, and verifies test procedures using manual and instrumental techniques.
- Recognizes indicators of instrument malfunction; performs routine troubleshooting and resolves common issues.
- Performs routine instrument maintenance, calibration, and quality checks; documents all actions in accordance with laboratory and regulatory requirements.
- Analyzes and interprets laboratory results using technical judgment; correlates data with patient information when appropriate.
- Performs repeat or confirmatory testing when needed to ensure accuracy and validity.
- Reports critical values directly to clinical personnel following established procedures.
- Enters, verifies, and releases laboratory results into the laboratory information system (LIS) accurately and promptly.
- Follows all laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures; documents QC and takes corrective action as appropriate.
- Participates in proficiency testing and documents corrective actions for out-of-range results.
- Maintains appropriate levels of reagents and supplies; notifies senior staff when shortages are anticipated.
- Follows all CUA, CAP, OSHA, VHA, and local regulatory standards for laboratory operations.
- Participates in continuing education, process improvement, and competency assessments.
- Maintains work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
- Performs phlebotomy and specimen collection procedures as assigned.
- May assist in general training of GS-05 developmental ML Ts under guidance of senior staff.
- Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of clinical laboratory operations necessary to support patient care.

Duties outlined above are at the full performance level GS-06-Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT).

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 2:30pm to 11:00pm-with one rotating weekend per month.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:56407-F, 56408-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
  • (a)American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
    • i ASCP, Board of Certification OR
    • ASCP, Board of Registry
  • (b)American Medical Technologists OR
  • (c)American Association of Bioanalysts
• 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).

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.

Assignment. This is an entry-level developmental MLT position. MLTs will typically receive guidance from experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. MLTs at this level perform testing in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, phlebotomy, hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, toxicology, urinalysis, referral laboratory, microbiology and specimen processing. MLTs recognize data with life-threatening(critical) implications and understand the importance of immediately bringing the data to the attention of the patient's physician and/or nursing staff.

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.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
i Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work.
ii Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems.
iii Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation.
iv Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments. v Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results. vi Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions.
vii Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers.

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.

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).

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with current Laboratory Information System (VISTA).
• Experience working off shift in clinical laboratory.
• Competency in Phlebotomy.
• Competent in drawing blood and blood cultures.

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-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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.

Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement.

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:

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Medical Lab Technician-Certification: (ASCP)-Board of Certification, (ASCP) Board of Registry, AMT, OR American Association of Bioanalysts
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Proof of Marriage Status
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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