The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) position is within the Pathology and Laboratory service at the Providence VA Healthcare Systems in Rhode Island. This is a full time position; 40 hours/week.USAJOBS - Job Announcement

　　MLTs at this level have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight, and are expected to independently carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty. Duties include, but not limited to:

　　Responsible for performing difficult specialized tasks including, but not limited to, advanced blood banking (antibody titers, elutions), advanced microbiology (Mycobacterium (Acid Fast Bacillus) Identification and Sensitivities, Mycology Identification, Virology, Anaerobic Culture, Polymerase Chain Reaction testing), molecular testing, high complexity testing, recording workload statistics, quality management projects and obtaining data for validation studies.Advanced MLTs may be expected to independently operate the full range of laboratory functions at remote sites.Duties consist of advanced operation, training and comprehensive troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and resolving any problems.Act as key operators for specific instrumentation.Work Schedule: Full time/multiple shifts available. Monday-Friday; 8a-430pp / 4p - 12a, rotating weekends and holidays (schedule availability to be discussed during interviews)Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized.Telework: Not Authorized.Virtual:This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: F06675.Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.Permanent Change of Station (PCS):Not Authorized.Financial Disclosure Report:Not required.Notifications:

　　This position is in the Excepted Service.THIS OPEN and CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT (OCA) ESTABLISHES A STANDING REGISTER OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS, which closes on 4/8/2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 1/9/2024 with subsequent reviews every other week as additional vacancies occur, or on an as-needed basis, until positions are filled. Please see the "What To Expect Next" area of the announcement which provides additional information on the referral process for this type of announcement.This position is a LIUNA Bargaining Unit position.This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay.Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.Help{target="_blank"}

　　RequirementsConditions of Employment```{=html}

　　```- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.- All 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.- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.- You may be required to serve a probationary period.- Subject to background/security investigation.- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

　　QualificationsApplicants 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.

　　Basic Requirements:

　　United States Citizenship.Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.Education.Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification.Certification.Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations.American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)ASCP, Board of CertificationORASCP, Board of Registry.American Medical TechnologistsORAmerican Association of BioanalystsCertification Exception.Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may receive a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed two years as a graduate MLT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2) without the option to extend. For grade levels above full performance level, the candidate must be certified in accordance with paragraph 4.c.(1) above.English Language Proficiency.MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

　　Grade DeterminationsGS-07:In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

　　Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests.Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing.Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes.Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment.Knowledge of laboratory information technology (IT) systems including troubleshooting systems issues, interface requirements between new instruments and existing IT infrastructure and laboratory IT test development.Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration along with continuing education and employee orientation to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements.Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards.Ability to assist with quality management activities in the laboratory, including monitoring and evaluating quality in accordance with CLIA and CAP, conducting quality improvement activities and communicating quality management results.References:VA Handbook 5005/158 Part II Appendix G69

　　Physical Requirements:Depending on what section of the laboratory the employee is assigned, this individual must do mix of sitting, standing and/or walking. Depending on the workload and patient mix, it could be a lot of any of these three elements. The employee must have a high degree of dexterity in use and maintena