Medical Technologist - Generalist (Full time, Midnights) at Detroit

JOB SUMMARY:

 Vacancy Identification Number (VIN) 917773

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincolns promise – "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" – by serving and honoring the men and women who are Americas Veterans.  

As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the Nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries. VA professionals feel good about their careers and their ability to balance work and home life. VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities.  For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.vacareers.va.gov/

Note:  The full performance level of this vacancy is 9.  The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 5 to 9.  The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidates education and experience and recommend the grade and step at which the candidate will be placed.  The salary is based on the grade and step approved for the selected candidate.

 

If selected for this position you may be eligible to apply for an Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) award. The EDRP program has specific guidelines that must be met in order to be considered. Please note, the final decision on an EDRP award amount is contingent on the availability of EDRP funds, since the overall program funding process is centralized

For More Information concerning EDRP, please contact LaDonna Franklin, Local EDRP Coordinator, 001HR, Human Resources, Room B5287/001HR, (313) 576-1000, x64064

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.

 

Performance Base Interviews (PBI) may be used.   For more information visit the following website http://www.detroit.med.va.gov/Services/Resources/jddvamc_human_res.htm

 

Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass pre-employment examination
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Designated and-or Random Drug Testing required
• Background and-or Security Investigation required
• Associates Degree & Certification (Prefer Bachelors Degree)

DUTIES:Back to top

Tour of Duty:  MIDNIGHTS (12:00am to 8:00am) with rotating weekends and holidays

 The incumbent(s) serves as a generalist in medical technology with responsibility for performing procedures in the areas of Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Urinalysis, Immunohematalogy, and Micro biology.  The Generalist Medical Technologist rotates with other generalists on a regular basis through the above-mentioned areas.  The incumbent also works off hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need. The Medical Technologist-Generalist duties include but are not limited to:

Evaluates the suitability of specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable.  Prepares specimens for analysis ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained.  Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.  Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports.  Calibrates/standardizes/adjusts and maintains instruments.  Identifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring.  Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs.  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. 

NOTE:  Experience and Educational Credentials at the full performance level of GS-9 ARE highly desired.   

 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:Back to top

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

U.S. citizenship.  

An associates degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution or an equivalent program composed of at least 60 semester hours, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either: (a)  24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or (b)  24 semester hours of science courses that includes 6 semester hours of chemistry; 6 semester hours of biology; and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination; and have laboratory training that includes completion of a NAACLS approved clinical laboratory training program with at least 3 months documented laboratory training in each specialty that the individual performs high complexity testing.   In addition to the associates degree, must possess at least 3 years of directly related, full time work experience.  Certification.   All candidates must currently possess or be eligible for and pass within one year the appropriate certification examination as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist given by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR), the National Credentialing Agency (NCA), American Association of Clinical Chemists (AACC ) or American Medical Technologists (AMT), or the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB). (1)   Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate medical technologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a) (1) (D).   Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment.   This may result in termination of employment

GRADE DETERMINATIONS:

(1)  GS-5.  None beyond basic requirements.

 

  (a)  Assignment.  Employees at this grade level serve in an MT career development position under close supervision.

 

  (2)  GS-7

 

  (a)  Experience.  In addition to the basic requirements, at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level.  In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

 OR,

 

  (b)  Education.  A bachelor’s degree in medical technology/clinical laboratory science or a related science and completion of a medical technology clinical practice program.  Both the education and the clinical practice program must have been approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).  The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a 4-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree.

 

  (c)  Foreign Graduates.  Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if their degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS.  This finding may be based on any of the following:

 

  1.  A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual’s foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree.

 

  2.  A letter from the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR), the National Credentialing Agency (NCA), or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination, or documentation from any other recognized organization that evaluates education.

(d)  Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

  1.  Demonstrated knowledge of professional medical technology principles, practices, concepts, and theories.

 

  2.  Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.

 

  3.  Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair.

 

  4.  Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments.

 

  5.  Skill in informatics and processes, and the ability to communicate effectively electronically, orally, and in writing.

 

  (e)  Assignments.  Duties and responsibilities may include any combination of those found at the GS-9 grade level; however, individuals in these assignments work under closer supervision and are not given the freedom of action typically found at the higher level

DESIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: 

GS-9  Appointment or promotion to the GS-9 level which is the Full Performance/Journeyman level  requires a bachelors degree in medical technology/clinical laboratory science or in a related science and completion of a medical technology clinical practice program.   Both the education and the clinical practice program must have been approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).   The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree.   In addition, candidates for GS-9 must possess either (b) or (c) below:

(b)   Experience.   Completion of 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled.  

  OR,

  (c)   Education.   Must have 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a masters degree in medical technology or directly related field, or equivalent graduate degree provided the applicants total background demonstrates the core competencies for GS-9 level assignment.

  (d)   Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.   In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

  1.   Comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology/clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work.

  2.   Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement providing for sound independent work.

  3.   Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.

4.   Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.

  5.   Ability to interpret and apply complex written instructions.

  6.   Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.

  Assignment.   This is considered the full performance level for nonsupervisory positions.   An MT/CLS at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results.   Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision.   The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as bacteriology, chemistry (including endocrinology and toxicology), molecular biology, coagulation, flow cytometry, genetics, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), mycology, parasitology, serology, urinalysis, and virology.   Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory and other healthcare professionals, and others in the medical center setting including the public. 

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE on your Resume/CV, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.  Dates of employment (starting and ending dates in the month/year format) must be on your resume and your application.  If employment was part time, you must indicate the # of part time hours worked on a weekly basis. 

References : VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G24 at http://www.va.gov/ohrm/joblistings/VAQualStds.doc

 

PLEASE NOTE:  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 (particularly positions with a positive education requirement.)  Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.  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.

Foreign Graduates.   Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if their degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS.   This finding may be based on any of the following: 1.   A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individuals foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree. 2.   A letter from the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR), the National Credentialing Agency (NCA), or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination, or documentation from any other recognized organization that evaluates education.

If you are a graduate of foreign degree program, you must submit the documentation that is described in this section with your application packet materials. 

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.

 

Veterans Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section provided and provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) and/or documentation related to your active duty service which shows dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation.

Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veterans Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.  For more information, please review the information for disabled Veterans in the application checklist or visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified.  Please follow all instructions carefully.  Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Country: USA, State: Michigan, City: Detroit, Company: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration.