The incumbent serves as a Lead Medical Technologist that works primarily in the Hematology Section within the Pathology and Laboratory Service. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Medical Technologists 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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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.(TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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 below: (1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. Loss of Credential: Once certified, Medical Technologists must maintain their certification. Loss of certification will result in removal from the occupation and may result in termination of employment GS-11 Grade Determinations: (a) Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09), which is directly related to the position to be filled at the (GS-11). (b) Assignments. Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results ensuring all laboratory regulatory requirements are met. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, following practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. These require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, 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 addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's): a. Advanced knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, medicolegal requirements and pertinent statistics sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests. b. Skill to apply new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing. c. Advanced knowledge of instructional techniques to instruct newly hired technologists and clinical pathology residents in proper performance of tests and applications of the laboratory procedures. d. Ability to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods in order to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations. e. Advanced knowledge of a particular discipline or function with wide latitude for exercising sound independent judgment. ["Lead Medical Technologist, Series 0644, GS-11, Statement of Major Duties The incumbent serves as a Lead Medical Technologist that works primarily in the Hematology Section within the Pathology and Laboratory Service. Works primarily on dayshift with rotating holidays and weekends The Lead Medical Technologist is proficient in performing both routine and specialized work in Hematology laboratory with full technical competence and independence. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures included within the medical technologist occupation. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. Knowledge of unique handling requirements of specimens including urines, CBC, coagulation, body fluids and understanding of the procedures for performing all of the tests offered by the Hematology laboratory. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnosis 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. Responsible for entering and verifying laboratory results in the computer system. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, including test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures. 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. Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation, as well as in the evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrument and automation. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. 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. Ensures compliance with rules and regulations agencies such as CAP and JHACO. Act as a liason to other services of the medical center for appropriate laboratory specialty area. Participate in training of new personnel and continuing education activities. Is responsible for the oversight of the hematology department. Performs other duties as assigned. M-F 8am-4:30pm rotating weekends and holidays"]