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NOTE: This announcement has been extended to close on May 2, 2023. Applicant(s) who previously applied, do not need to re-apply. These positions are located within the Pathology and Laboratory Service at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City, IA. The Medical Technician performs procedures in the areas of chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, and specimen procurement and processing. To qualify for this position at the GS-7 level, you must meet one of the following: 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. PLUS Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6) in Federal service that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience includes: (a) technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings and/or (b) technical support work in a closely related field, e.g., biological laboratory technician work that required application of the methods and techniques of a Medical Technician. Experience should include collecting, categorizing, cataloging, storing, and maintaining specimen integrity; and calibrating, standardizing, and maintaining equipment and instruments; performing phlebotomy; processing specimens using complex instrumentation; and explaining collection procedures, handling requirements, and any special requirements for obtaining accurate testing results to patients and staff. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. OR Education Substitution: Successful completion of (1) full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) from an accredited institution with course work directly related to the work of this position (i.e. chemistry, biological sciences, hematology, microbiology, serology, etc.) may be substituted for the experience required. Such graduate education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR Combination of Experience and Education: Equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate level education (beyond the first half year or 9 semester hours) and specialized experience, as described above. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Diagnostic Medical Testing Quality Assurance Technical Problem Solving 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 include: Evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Performs testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual and automated techniques. Operates and maintains a wide variety of complex clinical laboratory equipment to include calibration, preventative maintenance, quality control test performance, and proficiency testing. Performs routine blood bank testing. Obtains samples of blood or other body fluids or substances. Prepares slides, smears, and cultures of delicate or volatile specimens. Performs microscopic evaluations of specimens. Establishes minimum acceptable criteria for control/documentation/protocol pertaining to test or examination procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned. DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: 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. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday - 8:00 am 4:30 pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized"]

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