Medical Laboratory Technician

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Aspinwall (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Medical Laboratory Technician in the Core Laboratory and Phlebotomy Sections of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. This role reports to the Supervisory Medical Technologist and supports lab operations in a federal healthcare setting.

Applicants must meet basic requirements: US citizenship, appropriate MLT certification, and English proficiency. The full performance level is GS-6 with progression from GS-5; refer to VA qualification standards for

Qualifications

• Basic requirements include US citizenship.
• Education and certification/licensure in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT).
• English language proficiency required to perform duties and be appointed.

Skills

MLT knowledge

Quality control

Team communication

Instrumentation troubleshooting

Job description

This position is in the Core Laboratory and Phlebotomy Sections of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Program, reporting to the Supervisory Medical Technologist.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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.
  • American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ASCP, Board of Registry.
  • American Medical Technologists. OR
  • American Association of Bioanalysts.
    • Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may receive a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed two years as a graduate MLT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2) without the option to extend.
• 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

None

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems.
• Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation.
• Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments.
• Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results.
• Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions.
• Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers.

Preferred Experience

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-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.