The Primary Purpose of the Position is to perform in the capacity as a nonsupervisory Lead Medical Technician. The incumbent(s) are responsible for both routine and specialized work; evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Work is performed in a variety of laboratory disciplines; phlebotomy, reference laboratory specimens, hematology, coagulation, chemistry, limited microbiology and urinalysis. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/30/2023. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: directing and monitoring overall workflow of specimen processing areas; coordinating training for lab safety, data entry, specimen collection, processing, and shipping; knowledge of testing methodologies used in the clinical laboratory and is familiar with the different type of instrumentation used; ability to maintain liaison with reference laboratories and ensures all reference tests are collected, professed and shipped correctly; and ability to resolve problems and discrepancies concerning patient or specimen identification, lost or improperly drawn specimens, and takes appropriate action to resolve the problem. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to this occupation. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond an excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Reading Computer Skills Specimen Collection Leadership Oral Communication Diagnostic Medical Testing 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: Physical demands may involve minimal lifting of supplies and materials, standing, foot travel, bending, and sitting. The incumbent must have the digital dexterity and adequate vision to perform safe venipuncture and testing procedures. Lifting will not exceed a weight of 10 pounds. The incumbent must fully utilize all safety practices and equipment provided by the medical center assuring compliance with local and accrediting agency requirements. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. ["Major Duties Lead Medical Technician: Operates, calibrates and runs quality controls for all laboratory instruments throughout the clinical laboratory to include: Hematology, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Chemistry, and limited microbiology under supervision of a medical technologist. Hematology - operates instrumentation that performs blood cell testing with the most up-to-date methodologies to include: impedance testing, immunochemical staining, electronic hydrodynamic focus, helium neon laser, and multi-angle polarization. Knowledge on differences types of methodologies from basic/manual methodologies to complex. Maintains quality results by running standards and controls, verifying equipment function through routine equipment maintenance and advanced trouble shooting; calibrating equipment utilizing approved testing procedures; monitoring quality control measures and protocols. The display and report require that the tech interpret the report utilizing the instrument report along with interpretation of cellular staining characteristics and microscopic morphology of the peripheral blood smear. The tech is responsible for identifying abnormal cellular morphology that will provide clinicians with information related to infectious disease processes and blood cell abnormalities to include: leukemia and lymphomas. Urinalysis - Operates instrumentation for the performance of semi-quantitative measurements of chemical and cellular constituents in urine specimens. This area also includes body fluid analysis, which includes: microscopic examination, cytocentrifuge preparations, urine microscopy, and other manual testing of body fluid as needed. The tech is responsible for identifying abnormal cellular elements that maybe indicative of disease processes. Coagulation - Operates instrumentation for the determination of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and d-dimer testing. The instrument utilizes both mechanical, optical, and nephlemetry principles in the performance of testing. The tech is responsible for the performance of calibrations and standard curve studies for all methodologies. Specimen Processing/ Phlebotomy Follows procedures for patient identification, sample procurement, and specimen labeling. Performs routine venipuncture specimen collections from inpatient, outpatients, and ambulatory inpatients as requested by the provider. The incumbent will be required to proficiently collect these blood samples with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising, or required re-sticks, and ensure that samples are submitted to the clinical laboratory with the least possible delay. The incumbent's productivity will be required to remain at a minimum of four to six patients draws per hour. Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiological state of the specimen properties is maintained. Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results. Controls sample physical conditions and responds to time factors to insure that the physiologic state of the specimen is maintained. Follows standard procedure and applies a practical knowledge of the properties of the specimens to ensure effective presentation of the qualities or characteristics critical for accurate testing or examination. Responsible for the preparation of samples for the reference laboratory. Preparing the samples, preparing the computerized requisition and preparing the sample for shipping. Responsible for proper packing, labeling, addressing, shipping and logging of specimens referred to other laboratories for testing, including etiologic agents for interstate commerce, following all transportation regulations. Contacts special reference and commercial laboratories for information regarding the performance of specific tests, or for the results of referred tests. Instructs patient in the collection of urine for chain of custody (legal) urine drug screens, processes specimen and paperwork appropriately. Directs outpatients in proper methods to use in collecting sterile, clean catch and 24 hour urine specimens. Administrative Duties Responsible for training new phlebotomy staff and may be requested to teach phlebotomy techniques, safety policies and universal precautions to personnel from other areas of the medical center. Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques providing them with written procedures, reference materials and supplies. Provides for development, implementation and evaluation of CAP and Joint Commission standards and trains staff of compliance requirements. Work Schedule: Rotates M-F 0730-1615 and 0600-1445 Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Lead Medical Technician/PD08046A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
