Medical Laboratory Technician

Veterans Health Administration (DOVA); Sioux Falls (SD); Presencial; USD 45.000 - 65.000; Tempo integral

Resumo da vaga

Veterans Health Administration in Sioux Falls, SD seeks a Medical Laboratory Technician to perform a full range of testing across Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Microbiology, Urinalysis, and Phlebotomy. The position is full-time, GS 5–6, with a 2:30pm–11pm schedule and no telework.

Open to U.S. Citizens; requires MLT certification and Engligh proficiency. Benefits include federal retirement and paid leave. Salary ranges from $44,595 to $64,623 per year.

Qualificações

• Performs a full range of laboratory testing in multiple areas.
• Maintains quality control and proficiency testing according to SOPs.

Responsabilidades

• Perform waived, moderate, and complex tests on specimens.
• Handle specimen processing and data entry.
• Assist with calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of instruments.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Conhecimentos

Laboratory testing

Quality control

Testing interpretation

Formação

MLT certification/licensure

ASCP/AMT/ABB certification option

Ferramentas

Laboratory instrumentation

Descrição da vaga

Summary

The Medical Laboratory Technician position is assigned to P&LMS. This position performs a variety of waived, moderate, and complex tests on biological specimens. The MLT serves as a generalist in the laboratory with responsibility for performing testing in areas of Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Microbiology, Urinalysis and Phlebotomy.

Overview

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Vacancies: 1

Telework eligible: No

Remote job: No

Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Salary: $44,595 – $64,623 per year

Pay scale & grade: GS 5 – 6

Promotion potential: 6

Work schedule: Full-time

Travel Required: Not required

Appointment type: Permanent

Occupation and job series: 0645 Medical Technician

Supervisory status: No

Federal service type: This job is in the Excepted Service

Represented by a union: No

Drug test: Yes

Security clearance: Not Required

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Background check type: Credentialing, Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required: No

Announcement number: CBSY-13105731-27-KAH

Control number: 890954900

Open to: U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

Public announcement and open to all US Citizens.

Duties

Major Duties Include, but are not limited to the following:

• Performs a full range of laboratory testing and examination of blood, urine, body fluids and other specimens. Performs routine laboratory testing (both moderate and complex testing) in all areas of the clinical laboratory.
• Packages laboratory specimens for pick up and shipment to reference laboratories. Instructs medical laboratory technician and phlebotomy students as well as new employees in approved laboratory techniques as assigned.
• Performs and evaluates quality control and proficiency testing samples according to laboratory standard operating procedures and accrediting agency requirements.
• Ensures that laboratory areas are stocked, maintains appropriate inventories, and notifies appropriate personnel when supplies need to be ordered. Maintains work area in a clean and safe condition according to agency or accreditation requirements.
• Records laboratory data on charts, logs or computerized forms.
• Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction or conditions which could cause erroneous results; locates and implements corrections; recognizes and defines testing problems and evaluates methods for solution; evaluates, guides, or implements possible alternative approaches to standard methods; utilizes advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance; monitors the quality control system including record keeping systems and measures to assure the accuracy and validity of test results and trouble shoots instruments; ensures timely and thorough evaluation of data.
• Plays a role in establishing and developing the testing and examination procedures carried out in the laboratory; solves testing problems, suggests solutions to testing problems, and performs newer/more complex tests and examinations; participates in process improvement, data driven decision making, and team driven change to continuously improve operations; is responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system; plans and carries out the successive steps of testing procedures in multiple areas/Sections, and independently handles problems and deviations in the work assignment in accordance with established protocols, previous training, or accepted laboratory practices.
• Complies with all professional standards and regulation of accrediting bodies.
• Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures; correlates quantitative data with patient data, to verify results; performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results and recognizes abnormal results.
• Follows standard precautions, isolation procedures, infection control policies and other safety regulations.
• Specimen Collection and Processing

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday; 2:30pm – 11pm and rotating holidays

Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

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 #: 000000

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) on a separate document.

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.
• (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ii 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).

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

GS-05: Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

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:

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

Preferred Experience: 1-year as an MLT

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: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

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.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant’s criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran’s community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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.

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.

Required documents

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Professional Certification

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)
• *Highly Recommended* – Write to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) on a separate document – KSAs are found under qualification/grade requirements in the announcement.
• Other (2)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Proof of Marriage Status
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Agency contact information

Kimberly Harvey

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Address: Royal C Johnson Veterans Memorial Hospital 2501 West 22nd Street Sioux Falls, SD 57105 US