United States Citizens Excepted Service Permanent Full Time
Vacancy Identification Number (VIN) 1378404
**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.****
**INSTRUCTIONS:**
**Please read the announcement in its entirety before beginning the application process to ensure you submit all the required documents. All documents requiring signature must be signed and dated prior to submission in order to be considered complete. Resume' or CV must include the vacancy announcement number, position title, grade, how to contact you, descriptions of jobs held including the name and address of employer, job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date, (month and year) of employment, and average hours worked per week. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We may not make any assumptions regarding your experience.**
**ALTHOUGH NOT REQUIRED, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT APPLICANTS USE THE USAJOBS RESUME’ BUILDER.**
This job opportunity announcement (JOA) will be used to fill **one (1) Medical Technologist (Generalist)** **GS-0644-07/09**vacancy at the Lake City VA Medical Center, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PLMS).
**WORK SCHEDULE:** Seven (7) days on-duty and Seven (7) days off-duty. All shifts include 30-minute lunch break. The first week begins with seven (7) days on-duty starting on Thursday and ends on Wednesday followed by the second week seven (7) days off-duty starting on Thursday and ending on Wednesday. The work schedule continues with the seven days on-duty and seven days off-duty cycle.
Thursday
7:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
11 Hours
Friday
7:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
11 Hours
Saturday
4.00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.
14 Hours
Sunday
4.00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.
14 Hours
Monday
8:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
10 Hours
Tuesday
8:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
10 Hours
Wednesday
8:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
10 Hours
**RELOCATION EXPENSES:**Relocation expenses are **NOT** authorized for this position.
**RECRUITMENT/RELOCATION INCENTIVE BONUS**of up to $7000 is authorized with a two (2) year service obligation agreement.
NOTE: Current, permanent NF/SG VHS employees interested in this vacancy should apply to VIN:
**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.**
For more information on the “Who may apply” eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document. 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.
**POSITION OVERVIEW**: **Medical Technologist (Generalist) –** **The incumbent works a compressed seven (7) days on-duty and seven (7) days off-duty rotation with an evening through overnight schedule.** The incumbent may work with other generalists on a regular basis through the various laboratory disciplines. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. Recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using specific principles. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
**MAJOR DUTIES:**
* The incumbent works primarily on Night shift, with rotating weekends and holidays.
* As Generalist Medical Technologist, the incumbent will be rotating among all the areas of the Clinical Laboratory on a daily basis; Hematology, Chemistry, Immunohematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Central Processing and Microbiology.
* Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation.
* Recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using specific principles.
* Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
* Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
* Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
* Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
* Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions.
* Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which includes test results.
* Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.
* Evaluates and implements new techniques or procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge.
* Interprets findings and makes recommendations.
* Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory’s in-service/continuing education program.
* 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.
* Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
* Responsible for entering and verifying laboratory results in the computer system.
* Performs all other duties as assigned.
**WORK SCHEDULE:** Seven (7) days on-duty and Seven (7) days off-duty. All shifts include 30-minute lunch break. The first week begins with seven (7) days on-duty starting on Thursday and ends on Wednesday followed by the second week seven (7) days off-duty starting on Thursday and ending on Wednesday. The work schedule continues with the seven days on-duty and seven days off-duty cycle.
Thursday
7:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
11 Hours
Friday
7:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
11 Hours
Saturday
4.00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.
14 Hours
Sunday
4.00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.
14 Hours
Monday
8:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
10 Hours
Tuesday
8:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
10 Hours
Wednesday
8:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
10 Hours
**FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT# / TITLE**: 573-113-01 / Medical Technologist (Generalist), GS-0644-07, and 573-113-02 / Medical Technologist (Generalist), GS-0644-09.
**BASIC REQUIREMENTS:**
**U.S. citizenship**: Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
**Physical Requirements**: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
**English Language Proficiency**: Medical Technologist must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
**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 (e.g., laboratory sciences 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 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). 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 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.
**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.
**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).
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.
**GRADE DETERMINATIONS: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.**
**Grade Determination for GS-07 (Entry Level):**
(a)**Experience, Education, and Certification:**None beyond the BASIC REQUIREMENTS as indicated above.
(b)**Assignments:** Employees at this level serve in an entry level MT career development position practicing under close supervision of an MT at or above the full performance level.
**Grade Determination for GS-09 (Full Performance Level):**
(a) **Experience:**Must have one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower GS-07 grade level which, is directly related to the position to be filled.
**OR**
(b) **Education**: Must have Master's degree or two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree in medical technology or directly related field.
(c) **Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:**
1.Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work.
2.Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principle of performance improvement in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems.
3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation.
4. Ability to plan, organizes, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.
5. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
6. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions.
7. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes.
8. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education.
**(d) Assignment**: This is considered the full performance level for non-supervisory positions. A MT at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. This would include routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. An MT at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, and immunohematology. Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory healthcare professionals, and the public in a professional, courteous and effective manner.
**IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.**
**REFERENCE:** VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24 MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST SERIES GS-644 QUALIFICATION STANDARDS DATED MAY 12, 2014.
**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:**Moderate lifting, 15 – 44 pounds, ability to distinguish basic colors, moderate carrying, 15 – 44 pounds, hearing aids permitted, standing (6 hours), and good distance vision in one eye.
**WORK SCHEDULE:** Seven (7) days on-duty and seven (7) days off-duty. All shifts include 30-minute lunch break. The first week begins with seven (7) days on-duty starting on Thursday and ends on Wednesday followed by the second week seven (7) days off-duty starting on Thursday and ending on Wednesday. The work schedule continues with the seven days on-duty and seven days off-duty cycle.
Thursday
7:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
11 Hours
Friday
7:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
11 Hours
Saturday
4.00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.
14 Hours
Sunday
4.00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.
14 Hours
Monday
8:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
10 Hours
Tuesday
8:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
10 Hours
Wednesday
8:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
10 Hours
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
**CREDITABLE EXPERIENCE:**
**Knowledge of Current Professional Laboratory Practice:**For positions at or above the full performance level, the experience must have demonstrated the use of knowledge, skills and abilities as a MT and may be paid or non-paid employment.
**Quality of Experience:**Experience is only creditable if it is equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and is directly related to the position being filled.
**Part-time Experience:**Part-time experience as a MT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a MT would receive one (1) week of full-time credit for each two (2) weeks of half-time work.
**Graduate Education:**Graduate education and graduate degrees may be substituted as specified at each grade level. Education must have been from an accredited college or university in a field related to MT (e.g., biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, immunohematology, biological science, physiology, allied health education, health systems administration, infection control and preventive medicine), which was accredited at the time the candidate completed the program.
Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
**NOTE:**The entry level of this position is **GS-07.**The full performance level of this vacancy is **GS-09**. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of **GS-07 or GS-09**. The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will recommend the grade and salary for new appointments. For internal selectees being promoted, the board will determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.
**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 Saturday, May 30, 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.
**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 1378404
*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.
**This job opportunity announcement (JOA) is open to all United States citizens.**
**ALTHOUGH NOT REQUIRED, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT APPLICANTS USE THE USAJOBS RESUME’BUILDER.******
**A completed application package will include all applicable (REQUIRED) documents:**
1. **(REQUIRED) Resume’ or CV**must include the vacancy announcement number, position title, grade, how to contact you, descriptions of jobs held including the name and address of employer, job title, description of duties, **_beginning and ending date, (month and year) of employment, full-time/part-time and average hours worked per week....i.e, 40 hours per week, 32 hours per week, 20 hours per week, etc._** **IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.**If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response (s).
2.**(REQUIRED) VA Form 10-2850c** - Application for Associated Health Occupations (Available athttp://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf). **This form** **must be completed, signed and dated to be considered complete.**
3. **(REQUIRED if applicable)** **NOTIFICATION OF PERSONNEL ACTION** **SF-50** -If you are a current or former civilian Federal employee, you must include your**most recent/latest** NON-AWARD SF-50 -Notification of Personnel Action. SF-50 submitted **_must include your current_** title, series, grade and step, and salary during your Federal employment. ‘Awards' or ‘Incentive' SF-50s do not contain the required information and will not be considered valid required documentation to verify status.
4**. (REQUIRED if applicable) _If you have prior military service_**, you must include a copy of your **DD Form 214 which indicates the character of discharge**. Applicants claiming preference based on service-connected disability must submit VA service connected disability letter with disability rating, or based on being the spouse or mother of a disabled or deceased Veteran, must also complete and submit an SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf).
5.(**REQUIRED) RESPONSES TO THE OCCUPATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE**Online Questionnaire. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
6.(**REQUIRED) COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS**. This position has formal educational requirements. Copies of transcripts are required. (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable to apply to this position). Note: Verification of Official Transcripts will be required prior to being appointed to this position. **Diplomas are not suitable substitutions for your transcripts and will not be accepted.**
7. (**REQUIRED) COPY OF ANY RELATED LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION AND OR REGISTRATION. Copies of any related licensure, certification, and registration is required if you indicated possession of such on your resume’.******
8.**(REQUIRED) OF-306-Declaration for Federal Employment.**http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf.
9.Latest Performance Appraisal or Proficiency (if current or former civilian Federal Employee, please submit a copy of your latest Performance Appraisal or Proficiency, if available). This form is preferred but not required.
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, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
**Veterans' Preference:**When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section provided and provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) and/or documentation related to your active duty service which shows dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veterans Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. For more information, please review the information for disabled Veterans in the application checklist or visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
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 regardingapplicant notification points can be found in the USAJobs Resource Center.
VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides is 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
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.