Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technician

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Salary Range: $54154 - $70397 Per Year

Job Summary: The Medical Laboratory Scientist position is located at the Adam Benjamin Jr. Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic at 9301 Madison Street, Crown Point, IN 46307.

Major Duties:

• A Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. This includes routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The MLT performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. The MLT recognizes data with life-threatening (critical) implications and understand the importance of immediately bringing the data to the attention of the patient's physician and/or nursing staff. The MLT is responsible for testing procedures that 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 duties require exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with close technical supervision. MLTs at this level perform testing in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, phlebotomy, hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, toxicology, urinalysis, referral laboratory, microbiology and specimen processing. Major Duties: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation. In addition, recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles under immediate or general supervision. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements under immediate or general supervision. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction with immediate or general supervision. Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement under immediate or general supervision. Adheres to practices and regulations governing bio-safety and bio-security in the workplace under immediate or general supervision. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems and presents solutions with immediate or general supervision. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors which influence test results under immediate or general supervision. Assists in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/ continuing education program. 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. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines with minimal assistance. Performs competency assessments and completes annual training needs as part of continuing education. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday-Friday; 9:00am-5:30pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:05246F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Qualifications: 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. 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. 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). 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. (COPY OF CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED). American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) ASCP, Board of Certification OR, ASCP, Board of Registry American Medical Technologists OR, American Association of Bioanalysts Certification 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. Grade Determinations: Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05), which is directly related to the position to be filled. Your experience must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments. Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results. Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions. Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers. Preferred Experience: Generalist MLT with Phlebotomy Experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/05/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12843988. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-05