Medical Technician
Cedar Rapids, IA
ABOUT THIS ROLE
<p>The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) performs routine laboratory testing, quality control procedures, basic instrument maintenance, and troubleshooting. Testing is conducted on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using both manual and automated methods. The MLT performs waived, moderate, and complex testing in accordance with established protocols.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties Include, but are not limited to the following: Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimens if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiological state of the specimen properties is maintained. Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections. Performs quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures. Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results. Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly. Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system. Collects specimens with minimal discomfort to the patient, ensures accurate identification and proper preservation of the specimen and controls physical conditions to ensure the physiological state of the specimen is maintained throughout the pre-analytical process. Collaborates and communicates with primary care teams. Consults and communicates with members of external healthcare teams, customer service and patient education. Will be efficient in organization, able to set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. Must locate and review patient orders in the computer system using VISTA or CPRS programs. Appropriately deletes and adds tests and properly documents in the VISTA system. Patients lacking or with unclear orders require multiple computer searches to identify orders or locate the ordering provider and contact them for clarification. Identifies tests that require special handling conditions and appropriately performs proper specimen collection. Manages or assists in the management of the metric screening assigned by CBOC supervisor or Ancillary Coordinator. Will perform miscellaneous minor duties as assigned. Takes emergency care procedures in the event a patient has a reaction to blood collection procedures including fainting, hematoma, and anxiety. Instructs and assists healthcare personnel as necessary regarding questions, but not limited to, patient testing, specimen collection, equipment, ordering requirements, incorporating principles of educational methodology, etc. Adheres to all facility, local, state and federal safety requirements. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am to 4pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized</p><h3>Requirements</h3>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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.<h3>Education</h3>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. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.