***Recruitment Incentive: Is Authorized*** ***THIS ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN AMENDED TO EXTEND THE CLOSING DATE*** The Medical Technician performs both routine and specialized testing in chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, microbiology, and serology in support of a medical laboratory. This position is locate at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. To qualify for this position, you must meet the below requirements. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position. AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS GS-05: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in Federal service performing technical medical laboratory support work such as: performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings; or technical support work in a closely related field, e.g., biological laboratory technician work that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled. This experience must be documented in your resume to receive credit. ~OR~ EDUCATION: A bachelor's degree or 4 years of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects appropriate to the position (such as chemistry, biological sciences, hematology, microbiology, serology, etc.). Transcripts required. ~OR~ COMBINATION: An equivalent combination of successfully completed specialized experience and post-high school education (above 2 years) as described that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. Your experience must be documented, and transcripts are required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS GS-06: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in Federal service performing technical medical laboratory support work such as: performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings; or technical support work in a closely related field, e.g., biological laboratory technician work that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled. Specialized experience is further defined as working with clinic personnel to resolve discrepancies and calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment. This experience must be documented in your resume to receive credit. ~OR~ EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one-half year of graduate level education (9 semester hours above a bachelor's degree) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the position such as chemistry, biological sciences, hematology, microbiology, serology, etc. Transcripts required. ~OR~ COMBINATION: An equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include graduate courses directly related to the work of the Medical Technician position such as chemistry, biological sciences, hematology, microbiology, serology, etc. and must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Transcripts required. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Analytical Reasoning Clerical Diagnostic Medical Testing Technical Competence IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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; religious; 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. 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/. ["***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Major duties and responsibilities will include: Using microscopes, centrifuges, incubators, balances, and instruments to perform laboratory tests and analyze body fluids and other substances to determine the presence or absence of disease or other abnormal conditions. Receiving, collecting, sorting, recording, storing and/or shipping clinical laboratory specimens so that appropriate testing/diagnostic procedures can be performed. Obtaining additional data or information from healthcare providers as needed. Maintaining the laboratory and equipment in a clean and safe condition. Calibrating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation and equipment. Monitoring specimens, equipment, and laboratory for acceptability. Recommending changes in procedure to improve efficiency, accurately, and safety. Establishing inventory and equipment maintenance requirements and maintaining appropriate inventories and maintenance schedules. Assisting in training personnel and/or students in laboratory procedures and laboratory safety. Accepting/documenting incoming patient specimens using the designated computer system. Processing specimens and selecting appropriate procedures based on knowledge of the type of specimens, patient information, and laboratory resources. Reporting all specimen problems according to established guidelines. Performing a variety of laboratory tests, both new and established that involve very fine distinctions in analytical methods. Entering test results into hospital computer system, verifying the accuracy, completeness, and validity. Evaluating the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 3:00pm - 11:00pm. Weekend and holiday shifts as assigned. ***Recruitment Incentive: Is Authorized*** Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]
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.
