Lead Medical Technologist (Microbiology)

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Responsibilities Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Medical Technologist : vacareers.va.gov / wp-content / uploads / sites / 5 / Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technologist-Career-Flyer.

pdf A Medical Technologist / Clinical Laboratory Specialist at this level has professional oversight responsibilities including responsibility for large scale automated analytical instrument systems, reviews quality control and maintenance records, collaborates in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and provides education for laboratory and other healthcare professionals, and others in the medical center setting including the public.

The duties and responsibilities of the Lead Medical Technologist may include, but are not limited to, any of the following : Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation in Microbiology Bacteriology, Parasitology, Mycobacteriology, Serology, Immunology, Molecular and Environmental Microbiology.

In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.

Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment in Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Blood cultures, Molecular Microbiology, or others as required.

Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction in these same departments. Assists the supervisor in modifying existing procedures as testing requirements change.

Participates in quality assurance efforts by identifying quality improvement indicators for section operations. Develops a system to monitor indicators to effectively identify problem and / or potential problem areas.

Recommends and implements corrective actions when indicated to improve patient care efforts of the P&LMS. Reviews regulatory compliance requirements (CAP checklists, Joint Commission standards, Patient Safety Goals) and works with the Microbiology supervisor to implement policies and procedures to assure compliance.

Monitors and screens all Microbiology orders for appropriateness, using established criteria and requiring an understanding of disease entities and / or clinical situations.

Evaluates the validity of statistical data in relation to the test system and assay procedures. Correlates quantitative, biochemical, physiologic and morphologic data with other laboratory and / or other patient information to verify results.

Performs additional tests as per department's protocol, to certify or confirm abnormal patient results and reports via computer and telephone.

Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results.

Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures for all departments in the laboratory. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.

Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.

Work Schedule : Monday - Friday 7 : 30am - 4 : 00pm, rotating weekends and Holidays Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus) : Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) : Not Authorized EDRP Authorized : Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.

Contact V8 EDRP [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions / assistance. Learn more 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) Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 30625F 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background / security investigation.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications Basic Requirements : Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.

English Language Proficiency. MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

Education and / or Experience Combination-Transcripts Submitted (1) A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.

g., laboratory science such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.). AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program.

Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

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.

OR (2) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college / university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course inorganic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.

g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification(ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT).

This experience must include performing moderate and / or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory.

OR (3) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college / university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course inorganic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and / or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory.

Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and / or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraph 2b(2) or (3) above.

This finding may be based on either of the following : 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.

A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination. Certification-Submitted Documentation : Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below : Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT.

For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C / SC), hematology (H / SH), microbiology (M / SM), molecular biology (MB / SMB)and blood bank (BB / SBB).

Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e.

g., an individual with a chemistry certification can only perform duties in chemistry). Grade Determinations : GS-11 Experience.

Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-9), which is directly related to the position to be filled.

OR, Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related field.

Assignments. These assignments require specialized training and experience and have wide latitude for exercising independent judgment.

Employees must have advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance.

For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.

Lead Medical Technologist. Facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals and achievements are coordinated with management.

Responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty including preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation and compliance.

Acts as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs : Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice.

Knowledge of regulatory, licensing and accrediting agency requirements and statutes governing clinical laboratory operations in order to plan, implement or monitor laboratory programs and services.

Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation.

Ability to provide technical oversight in order to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload.

Preferred Experience : Microbiology specific education References : VA Handbook 5005 / 72, Part II, Appendix G24 Physical Requirements : Moderate lifting and light carrying (15-44 pounds), use of both hands and fingers, standing for 2-3 hours, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, mentally and emotionally stable, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, depth perception and ability to work with solvents.

Frequent keyboarding and computer work required. Work Conditions may include but not limited to : The work involves regular recurring risk of discomforts associated with working in a clinical laboratory, e.

g., working with irritant reagents. 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).

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 : 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 : Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.

e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.

The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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 (TJO).

Please visit the Human Resources and Administration / Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA / OSP), va.gov / EMPLOYEE / docs / The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.

pdf for more information.