Medical Technician

Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration; Castle Rock (CO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Medical Laboratory Technician to join their team. This role involves processing various specimen types, ensuring compliance with laboratory standards, and providing training to staff. The ideal candidate will possess the necessary certifications and demonstrate proficiency in laboratory practices. Join a mission-driven organization that values quality care and teamwork, and make a significant impact on patient health outcomes. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital healthcare services in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Candidates must possess MLT certification from recognized organizations.
• Proficiency in English is required for MLT candidates.

Responsibilities

• Process and validate specimens for testing while ensuring patient confidentiality.
• Maintain knowledge of laboratory protocols and assist in training staff.

Skills

Medical Laboratory Technician principles

Knowledge of laboratory quality control

English Language Proficiency

Ability to interpret laboratory results

Teamwork in laboratory setting

Education

Certification as MLT

United States Citizenship

Tools

VA computer system

Job description

Summary

This position falls within Primary Care Clinics and rural CBOCs Pathology and Laboratory at the ECHCS VA Health Care System. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until May 30, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 03/28/2025. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis OR until positions are filled.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
2. Education: Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification.
3. Certification: Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations:
1. American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) ASCP - Board of Certification
2. ASCP - Board of Registry
3. American Medical Technologists
4. American Association of Bioanalysts
4. 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.
5. 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).
6. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment in paragraph 4 - VA HR staff must use the following criteria to determine the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

1. Medical Laboratory Technician - GS-05:
   1. Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
   2. Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: None.
   3. 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.
2. Medical Laboratory Technician - GS-06:
   1. Experience: In addition to the basic requirements - candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level.
   2. Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: 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.
   3. 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.

Duties

1. Specimens received consist of all specimen types including blood - urine - stool - cultures - joint aspirations - other fluids - and other irretrievable specimens.
2. The incumbent uses the VA computer system when processing specimens.
3. Samples are accepted into the computer for testing or the order is removed from the computer if samples are not collected.
4. Protects the security of the computer system and maintains patient confidentiality.
5. The incumbent receives - validates - processes and distributes specimens to the proper equipment for storage until transported to RMR Medical facility for testing.
6. This includes assuring the proper specimen was collected - patient identification on the tube is correct and matches the accompanying requisition(s) and accessioning the specimens.
7. Ensures all pre-analytical testing requirements are met by ensuring centrifugation at the appropriate time and rpm setting - appropriate pre-treatment of specimen if required - accurately labels aliquot tubes and stores at the appropriate temperature protecting from light if required or distributes to the proper section for testing.
8. If there is a question regarding the testing - incumbent consults with the provider, nurse, pathologist or appropriate Medical Technologist to ensure the appropriate testing is performed on the appropriate sample.
9. The incumbent should maintain current knowledge in the changing field of ancillary testing sufficient to serve as the first line technical consultant and advisor to CBOC staff.
10. The incumbent may be requested to develop or recommend policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing.
11. The Medical Technician must have a thorough knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements.
12. The Medical Technician is required to evaluate the competency of the variety of individuals in the performance of ancillary testing procedures and in the reporting of test results.
13. Also included would be the ongoing day-to-day compliance with established protocols and guidelines.
14. Recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies and improve the program.
15. The Medical Technician is required to develop and recommend policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary or point-of-care testing.
16. Ensure the appropriate correlation among different instrumentation and methodologies.
17. The Medical Technician is required to consult with program managers or equivalent of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology.
18. Also, the incumbent is required to create - apply and monitor reengineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives within the program.
19. The Medical Technician is required to assist with the development of technical bulletins - procedures - training materials and other program materials.
20. Could be required to develop and implement corrective action when deficiencies are identified.
21. The incumbent provides training to Medical Laboratory Technicians - Nursing staff - Medical Assistants - and Nursing Assistants in accessioning.
22. The incumbent accurately administers and collects specimens for employee drug screening program.
23. Appropriately completes required chain of custody paperwork and packages for shipment to testing facility.
24. These are considered legal specimens.
25. The incumbent will be required to achieve the training through the VA and sustain competencies allowing the technician the ability to perform Employee Drug Screens as required by Human Resources.
26. Using the proper chain of custody and ensuring proper preparation for pick-up and shipment to the appropriate lab will be essential for the medical technician.
27. The incumbent performs testing for toxicology - Alcohol - and Quantiferon.
28. The incumbent follows proper infectious disease controls.
29. The incumbent performs other duties necessary for the efficient operation of the laboratory.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday - Variable rotates tours of duty and on the weekend and holiday schedules as assigned.

Telework

Not Available

Virtual

This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #

58681 - 58682-A

Permanent Change of Station (PCS)

Not Authorized