### JOB SUMMARY:
Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): 1562671
**OUR MISSION**: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise – "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" – by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?
The incumbent serves as a Medical Technologist (Blood Bank Technical Specialist) in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Program with the responsibility for planning, developing, maintaining and evaluating a comprehensive Quality Plan meeting the requirements set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), College of American Pathologists (CAP) and The Joint Commission (TJC). In addition the Blood Bank Technical Specialist technologist plans, develops and supervises all educational programs for Transfusion Medicine residents, new staff, and recertification of current staff. He/she also acts as a liaison for training of nursing staff regarding new or changed requirements for Transfusion Medicine.
As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the Nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries. VA professionals feel good about their careers and their ability to balance work and home life. VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities. For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go tohttp://www.vacareers.va.gov/
**CURRENT VA AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES PLEASE NOTE: **Pleasesubmit a **_complete_**application package prior to the closing date, including latest SF-50 (**please do not submit Award SF-50's**). Include all of your relevant work information (i.e., starting and ending dates of employment, hours worked, duties, etc.). ****
**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.**
### TRAVEL REQUIRED
* Not Required
### RELOCATION AUTHORIZED
* No
### KEY REQUIREMENTS
* Must pass pre-employment examination
* Must be proficient in written and spoken English
* Designated and-or Random Drug Testing required
* Background and-or Security Investigation required
* Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
* VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (required)
* Certification Preferred: Specialist in Blood Bank
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### DUTIES:
Reviews all of the Blood Bank Section results (including results from off-hour and weekend shift(s) for correctness as required by College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Improvement Act of 1988 (CLIA), American Association of Blood Bank (AABB), Federal Department of Agriculture (FDA), and The Joint Commission (TJC). Directs involved technicians/technologists in the correction of errors, and notifies attending physicians as appropriate.
Assists the supervisor and medical director in the planning, development and execution of the Quality Plan set forth by regulatory requirements from the FDA, AABB, CAP and TJC. Responsible for accomplishing administrative, supervisory, and communication tasks consistent with the Quality Plan. Manages receipt of directives, regulations, inspection reports, and other relevant communication from the FDA and other regulatory agencies. Assures distribution of the above reports to the appropriate supervisory personnel. Devises new and utilizes existing procedures to monitor the quality of blood bank operations. Assists in the development, maintenance and evaluation of internal and external quality control programs.
Writes and updates new procedures and SOPs to meet all accrediting agency requirements. Plans and reviews current audit control points and reports to the Transfusion Medicine Supervisor and Medical Director the analysis of data and trends associated with, but not limited to proficiency and competency testing, equipment defects, safety issues, audit reports, errors and accidents, and review of corrective action taken. Incumbent serves as a member of the Medical Center Transfusion Review Committee. Responsible for monitoring effectiveness of transfusion for patient care, adverse reaction to the transfusion, transfusion statistics and other pertinent information to safeguard appropriateness of transfusions and hemo-therapies within the Medical Center.
Provides technical guidance to technicians/technologists when quality control or instrument problems occur; solves complex antibody problems and evaluates and resolves problems related to Transfusion Medicine by using established policies and procedures as well as Blood Bank training and knowledge and interprets orders and provide advice to physicians concerning blood products and its use. Designs daily Laboratory Management Index Program (LMIP) work sheets, oversees the computer recording of these worksheets by technicians/technologists, and verifies the quarterly LMIP report for the Section. Maintains appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of the Blood Bank Section. Authorizes procurement of the blood/blood components as identified in the blood bank contract. Responsible for the maintenance of all required records for Fund Control account to ensure that an adequate level of inventory of blood/components is maintained.
Performs donor, recipient and compatibility testing procedures according to procedure manual and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Issues and distributes blood and blood components in accordance with written procedures that will eliminate errors and minimize outdating or wastage of blood products. Ensures activities associated with process improvement, customer service, data driven decision making, or team driven change are accomplished. Recognizes, troubleshoots and resolve any computer malfunctions of the blood bank package in concert with IRM staff and the Laboratory Information Manager/Computer Specialist. Works closely with blood suppliers to provide adequate inventory of products requested. Advises physicians when blood and blood products are at a critical shortage and may be delayed when requested and ensures that blood and blood components are available to medical staff in a timely manner when requested.
**Work Schedule:**** Variable Shifts and Hours - 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.********Functional Statement Title/#: Medical Technologist (Blood Bank Technical Specialist)**
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### QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
**BASIC REQUIREMENTS: **
a.** Citizenship**. Citizenship 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)
b.** Education and/or Experience Combination. **
** (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
AND
Completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. **See VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24 for additional information.**
**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 in organic 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). **See VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24 for additional information.**
**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 in organic 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.
c.** 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:
(1) 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.
(2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination.
d.** Certification.** Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below:
(1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT.
(2) 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 (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry).
(3) **Exception.** Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed one year as a graduate medical technologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. **§** 7405(c)(2)(B). This appointment may not be extended. For grade levels above the full performance level, the candidate must be certified in accordance with paragraph 2d (1) above.
(4) **Failure to Obtain Certification.** In all cases, MTs must actively pursue meeting prerequisites for certificationfrom thedate of their appointment. See VA Handbook for additional information on this subject.
Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment.
(5) **Loss of Credential.** Once certified, MTs mustmaintain their certification. Loss of certification will result in removal from the occupationand may****result in termination of employment.
e. Grandfathering** Provision.** All MTs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. You may review VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24 for additional information on this subject.
f. Physical** Requirements.** See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
g. **English Language Proficiency.** MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
**Grade Determinations**
GS-11:
(a) Experienced MT's must have the equivalent of 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-9), which is directly related to the position to be filled.
OR,
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
*1*. **Technical Specialist**. The incumbent services as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge.
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.
**References:** Input applicable VA Handbook 5005/72 Part II, Appendix G24,VA Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
**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.
**Physical Requirements:**The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as prolonged standing, bending over microscopes, reaching for supplies or materials, and lifting moderately heavh items such as centrifuges and record boxes (or occasionally lifting heavier items such as reagent packs). The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as dexterity (to perform intricate collection or analysis procedures) and color vision.****
### HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
**Veterans' Preference:** When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), or 10pt (CP/CPS, XPP, XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP), on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section(s) provided. A legible copy of your DD214(s), disability certification, SF-15 (if claiming 10 pt. preference) or if you are currently serving on active duty and expected to be released or discharged within 120 days; documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Documentation is required to award preference. (See "Required Documents" section).
**NOTE:**The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate’s education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy. ****
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### BENEFITS:
VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp.
**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.
### OTHER INFORMATION:
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
* * *
### HOW TO APPLY:
**All applicants are encouraged to apply online.**
**To apply for this position,** you must complete the View Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 to receive consideration.
1. To begin,** click Apply Online** to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. **Click Submit My Answers**to submit your application package.
*NOTE*: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete,****log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
### REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
All applicants are _**required**_ to submit the following supporting document type(s):
* Other (VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Positions)
* Resume
* Transcript
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:
* Cover Letter
* DD-214
* OF-306
* Other Veterans Document
* SF-50
**VA Form 10-2850c** - Application for Associated Health Occupations (**required**). Available at the VA Forms website: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=10-2850&tkey;=&Action;=Search.
Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, etc. You will not be contacted for additional information.
****Veterans' Preference:****When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), or 10pt (CP/CPS, XPP, XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP), on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section(s) provided. A legible copy of your DD214(s) indicating character of service, disability certification, SF-15 (if claiming 10 pt. preference) or if you are currently serving on active duty and expected to be released or discharged within 120 days; documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Documentation is required for eligibility verification.
**Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents: **You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options. The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is 1562671.
**NOTE:** If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
### AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
Pamela Britt
Phone: (937)268-6511x1860
Email: PAMELA.BRITT@VA.GOV
Agency Information:
VHA Dayton VAMC
Department of Veteran Affairs
4100 West Third Street
HRM Service
Dayton, OH
45428
### WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. During our review, if your résumé and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided); otherwise, applicants will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking on “Application Status.” For a more detailed update of your status, click on “more information.” Information regarding applicant notification points can be found in the USAJobs Resource Center.
*Job Title:* Medical Technologist (Blood Bank Technical Specialist)
*Department:* Department Of Veterans Affairs
*Agency:* Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
*Control Number:* 422219000
*Job Announcement Number:* KO-16-PB-1562671-BU