LEAD MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37-50 days of paid time off per year

Traditional federal pension and 401K options

Child Care Subsidy eligibility after 60 days

Job summary

A federal health agency in Dallas seeks a Lead Medical Laboratory Technician to perform complex laboratory duties and manage workflow in various hospital settings. The ideal candidate will have necessary MLT certifications, one year of experience at the GS-06 level, and will demonstrate ability to lead teams, train staff, and ensure quality assurance. The position offers a competitive salary and generous paid time off benefits, plus opportunities for career growth in the VA system.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be U.S. citizens or meet VA policy requirements.
• One year of progressive experience equivalent to GS-06 grade level.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and train personnel.

Responsibilities

• Perform significant scope duties with technician oversight.
• Integrate and monitor laboratory protocols for quality.
• Manage daily operations and workload assignments.

Skills

Knowledge of laboratory techniques

Skill in conducting laboratory procurement procedures

Ability to provide technical oversight

Ability to train personnel

Ability to manage workflows

Education

Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

Associates Degree

Job description

Overview

The Lead Medical Laboratory Technician performs the full range of higher-level laboratory duties and procedures ranging from routine to complex; and provides technical support to the laboratory section staff - entire facility - and clients from other agencies. Acts as a liaison to other sections of the laboratory and the medical center. The location of the position is Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service - VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) - Dallas - Bonham - and Fort Worth - Texas.

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: (1) Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations
• (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) ASCP - Board of Certification OR ASCP - Board of Registry
• (b) American Medical Technologists
• (c) American Association of Bioanalysts
• Foreign Education: Graduates of foreign MLT programs are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a current certification
• Grandfathering Provision: May qualify as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees in this occupation and meeting criteria)
• Grade Determinations: Lead Medical Laboratory Technician - GS-07
• (a) Experience: In addition to the basic requirements - one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level
• (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
• Knowledge of techniques to instruct students and newly hired staff to properly perform tests and apply laboratory procedures
• Skill in conducting laboratory procurement procedures to maintain reagent and supply inventories
• Ability to provide technical oversight to manage personnel and work assignments to assure completion of the laboratory workload
• Ability to plan staff training to address needs
• (c) Assignments: For assignments above the full performance level, duties must show significant scope, complexity, and range of variety and be performed at least 25% of the time
• Lead MLTs independently perform duties of significant scope and complexity and assist with technician oversight
• Lead MLTs lead three or more lab support positions, provide direction to daily operations, and integrate and monitor standard laboratory protocols to maintain workflow and quality within the unit
• Lead MLTs must do a combination of at least three of the following duties:
• prepare work schedules and assign tasks to ensure timely completion of duties
• ensure laboratory resources are in optimal working condition and address workflow needs
• provide guidance and support to the work unit in supervisory absence
• train personnel (including students) in methods, procedures, and use of equipment specific to the assigned area
• provide input to supervisor on performance and training needs of employees
• adjust work assignments due to absences or changes in priorities
• resolve simple informal complaints of employees and patients - refer more difficult problems to the supervisor
• recommend approval and/or disapproval of leave requests

Preferred Experience: One year credible experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician at the GS-06 level or higher; training past entry level; Associates Degree; 4 years experience processing laboratory specimens including clinical, surgical and anatomic specimens; 4 years of experience processing, shipping, and resulting reference lab specimens. 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: Light lifting under 15 pounds; light carrying under 15 pounds; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (1-2 hours); standing (1 hour); depth perception; ability to distinguish colors; hearing (aid permitted)

Duties

• Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional: Duties include but are not limited to a Lead Medical Laboratory Technician who has specialized training and experience
• The Lead MLT independently performs duties of significant scope and complexity and assists with technician oversight
• Provides direction to daily operations and assumes responsibility for integrating and monitoring standard laboratory protocols to maintain continuous workflow and quality within the section
• Incumbent performs the duties below at least 25 percent of the time
• Facilitates team/unit processes by collaborating with team members to coordinate tasks, priorities, goals, and achievements with management; responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty including assignment of work, workload management, and completion of assignments for staff
• Prepares and maintains records and reports, training, and compliance
• Acts as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty
• Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice for more difficult, complex, unique, or emerging tests requiring special knowledge; identifies, defines, and resolves issues with complex data or unique aspects of testing
• Maintains process control through a multifaceted quality assurance program
• Prepares and presents work-related information to the supervisor and upper management
• Performs quality assurance monitors and research data in the appropriate laboratory specialty area
• Modifies or writes technical procedures, ensuring policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements are followed
• Evaluates the competency of assigned staff including identification of continuing education and training needs
• Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation
• Is responsible for evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation and automation
• Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of regulatory agencies such as CAP, TJC, OSHA
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00am to 5:00pm; Rotating weekends and Holidays
• Recruitment Incentive: Not Authorized; Permanent Change of Station (Relocation): Not Authorized
• Pay: Competitive salary with regular increases; higher step rate may be determined for higher qualifications or special needs of the VA
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days per year (13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays); prior experience may count toward accrual
• Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
• Child Care Subsidy: Eligible for subsidy after 60 days of employment for eligible families
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension and federal 401K with optional VA contributions
• Telework: Not Available; Virtual: Not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 55082-F