U.S. Department of State

Regional Medical Technologist/MLS

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State

An Equal Opportunity Employer
How to Apply

Announcement No: FSMT-2011-0001
Opening Date: November 15, 2010
CLOSED: February 28, 2011

Position Title: FOREIGN SERVICE REGIONAL MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST/MLS

Job Description: Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist or Regional Medical Technologist

Grade and Starting Salary Range: FP-5, Steps 1 to 14, $46,736 - $68,634

Additional Benefits: Tax free housing overseas; tax free educational allowance overseas, etc. (See "Benefits" for more information.)

Number of Vacancies: The Department of State is developing a rank-order list of eligible hires to fill a limited number of Foreign Service Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist vacancies.  The specific number to be hired will depend on the needs of the Foreign Service.

Area of Consideration: All sources.

Location: Individuals must be willing to serve worldwide.  Generally, following a brief orientation period at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., newly hired Foreign Service Regional Medical Technologists (FSRMT) will serve an initial two year tour at a Foreign Service post overseas, and will usually spend an average of 60 percent of their careers stationed broad, moving at two-to-four year intervals.  The remainder of their time will be spent at the Department of State in Washington, D.C

Description of Duties and Responsibilities

Serving as a Regional Medical Technologists (RMT/MLS) in support of the employees of the United States’ Government and their eligible family members, a medical laboratory scientist works in conjunction with other Foreign Service medical personnel. Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist duties include implementing the following responsibilities at each post assigned:

A.  Supervising instrument management and procedures:  Manages laboratory, performs testing, collects blood, oversees send-out testing, updates technology, performs cost analysis, implements med polices, performs on-call duty, etc.

B.  Training and supervising:  Instructs how to perform tests, communicates information, instructs on sanitation inspections, presents food safety classes, instructs on specimen collection, writes safety plan, supervises laboratory staff, provides evaluation input, etc. 

C.  Assuring quality:  Monitors quality control programs, uses computer programs, maintains U.S. standards, reviews proficiency testing program, assesses competency of health unit staff, updates skills, maintains ServSafe® manager certification, liaison for health unit with local laboratories, advises local laboratory professionals.   

D.  Performing regional duties:  Makes travel arrangements, visits regional posts, assesses local diagnostic testing facilities and blood banks, communicates with regional posts, assists with hiring, conducts sanitation inspections, submits reports, searches for means of reliable testing, collaborates with other organizations, designates laboratories for testing biological hazards, collaborates with the CDC, arranges for continuing education, etc.   

E.  Addressing environmental issues:  Determines corrective action, tests water for bacteria, addresses other environmental issues, etc.

Foreign Service Regional Medical Laboratory Scientists are considered "essential personnel" and are on call to provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Regional Medical Technologist/MLS Career

The Office of Medical Services in the Department of State maintains and promotes the health of employees and their accompanying family members who represent United States Government agencies abroad. The Department assigns Foreign Service Medical Technologists/MLS, Medical Officers, Medical Officers/Psychiatrists, and Health Practitioners to selected posts overseas. Many of these posts have significant health risks and local medical care that is inadequate by U.S. standards. The Foreign Service Regional Medical Technologist/MLS performs a wide variety of unusual and specialized tests and procedures ranging from difficult to more complex in nature in a variety of fields, such as Parasitology, Microbiology, Mycology, Chemistry, Hematology, Blood Banking and Urinalysis. Duties also include training contract Medical Technologists and developing quality control standards.

Regional Medical Laboratory Scientists are presently serving in Addis Ababa, Beijing, Cairo, Dakar, Frankfurt, Jakarta, Lagos, Mexico City, Moscow, New Delhi, and Washington, D.C.

While the preference of an applicant for a particular post or area of assignment is given every possible consideration, assignments are dictated by "the needs of the service."

Compensation and Tenure

The starting salary range for Regional Medical Technologist/MLS is FP-05, Step 1 through 14. The salary is dependent upon such factors as graduate level education and directly related specialized experience not used to satisfy qualifications criteria experience. Salary level will be determined at the time of a conditional offer of employment. To be creditable, such education and specialized experience must be in excess of that which is required to qualify as described under Education and Specialized Experience Requirements. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee.

While the hiring of all medical professionals will start at Step 1, additional steps may be granted based on the following criteria:

Education

• One in-grade step increase may be given for the first (and only the first) graduate degree below the doctoral level in a work-related field, awarded before the date of appointment.
• Two additional steps may be given for a doctoral degree in a work-related field, awarded before the date of the appointment.
• One step for a masters degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health

EXPERIENCE

• One step for 3 to 4 years of closely related experience.
• Two steps for 5 to 6 years of closely related experience.
• Three steps for 7 or more years of closely related experience.

In addition, the Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist receives at least 12 hours of Category 1 CME credit through an annual State Department-sponsored Continuing Medical Education program.

Regional Medical Technologist/MLS are administratively promoted from FP-05 to level FP-04 level after 18 months of satisfactory performance. Beyond the FP-04 level, Regional Medical Technologist/MLS are considered for promotion annually in competition with others in their specialty. Foreign Service career candidates are considered for tenure by a Tenuring Board after they acquire a minimum of three years experience in the Foreign Service as a specialist career candidate.

Medical Credentialing & Indemnification

Applicants are subject to a medical credentialing process conducted by the Quality Improvement Staff of the Office of Medical Services. Once hired, medical personnel are indemnified for official duties only through the U.S. Federal Tort Claims Act.

Qualifications and Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for employment in the Foreign Service, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree, be certified by a national certification agency, and have the specified experience as outlined below. In addition, the applicant must be able to pass a writing skills assessment that may be conducted following successful completion of the initial review stage and qualifications review panel. The panel will recommend the most competitive candidates be invited to participate in an oral assessment, and at that time, the candidate will draft an essay, which will evaluate command of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and thought content. This is explained further in "Selection Process."

Education, Experience and Certification

Applicant must have a minimum of:

1. a Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, chemistry, or biological science that must include 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours or (24 quarter hours) in chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester/quarter of mathematics from a regionally accredited university or college;

and


2. completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) /Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP) medical technology/CLS program OR five years of fulltime clinical laboratory experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy in the U.S./Canada or a CAP/Joint Commission/AABB/CMS approved accredited laboratory within the last ten years. At least two years of the clinical laboratory experience must be under the supervision of a pathologist (certified by the American Board of Pathology) or a board certified medical scientist and a certified medical technologist /scientist;

and


3. a passing score on a national certification examination;

and


4. at least four years of laboratory experience as a Generalist Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist in a clinical laboratory after certification. The four years of experience must be within the last five years;

and


5. a current registration as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist.

Applications will not be accepted from Medical Laboratory Scientists/ Medical Technologists who do not meet the criteria outlined above.

Specialized Experience Requirements

Applicant must have at least four years of laboratory experience, that must have been as a generalist in the Clinical Laboratory and include work in Chemistry, Hematology, Blood Banking, Urinalysis, Microbiology, Parasitology, and Serology, with progressively responsible experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist.

Applicant must have demonstrated skill in performing tests with detail and accuracy and providing information to appropriate individuals as necessary. The work involves exercising a high degree of laboratory management expertise.

Applicant must have knowledge of the following: Laboratory Science, General Anatomy, Medical Terminology and; Quality Control procedures and Quality Assurance plans; laboratory equipment used in performing a variety of laboratory tests; skill in performing preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment; ability to train other medical professionals in laboratory techniques is required.

The patient population covered is unique because of background and lifestyle as part of a diplomatic community overseas. This population also differs in terms of clinical and administrative needs and the national security concerns inherent in their employment.

Applicant must be a skilled and experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist who recognizes and understands the problems of delivering laboratory services to a large group of Americans posted in widely scattered groups of varying size most often where local medical resources are limited or non-existent. Experience in providing laboratory results and assistance via electronic communication such as fax, telephone, telegram and e-mail is preferable. Experience in performing laboratory techniques to diagnose infectious and tropical diseases is required.

Applicant must have the ability to develop, coordinate, and administer health care programs and procedures, including individual and community health promotion and disease prevention programs. Applicant must have the ability to organize and supervise a diverse group of medical scientists/technologists who have varying degrees of expertise, education and command of the English language. Understanding the unique cultural differences related to health care delivery in varied countries and the ability to deal with the differences in a positive manner is a necessity.

Candidates must have the capacity to gain the cooperation and confidence of patients, co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Individuals must have experience in working in a multidisciplinary practice as well as experience in team building. Effective written and oral communication skills, and the ability to present laboratory findings in a clear and concise manner to medical and non-medical personnel are essential. The demonstrated ability to teach or lecture to groups on laboratory issues is preferred.

General computer and Microsoft Office skills are required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Requirements

The education, work experience and other qualifications are evaluated for evidence of the following knowledge, skills, abilities and other requirements that have been identified as important to successful job performance as a Regional Medical Technologist/MLS based on extensive job analysis research. Not all of these attributes need to be met by a candidate; the attributes will be used as a set to evaluate candidates.

A. Knowledge of medical laboratory equipment, the Federal Regulations governing clinical laboratories and testing to include: CLIA 88, OSHA requirements for safety in the clinical laboratories and health clinics, US accreditation requirements, phlebotomy, computers and Microsoft Office, Quality System Essentials (QSEs) and Quality Management guidelines, International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, medical laboratory tests, laboratory management, food safety guidelines, water testing methods and standards, , Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines for all testing.

B. Specialized skills in performing laboratory tests, performing phlebotomy, analyzing, observing, interviewing, public speaking, organizing, supervising, networking, customer service.

C. General skills in operations monitoring, systems analysis, systems evaluation, quality control analysis, equipment maintenance, equipment selection, science, reading comprehension, active learning, coordination, time management, critical thinking, complex problem solving, judgment and decision making, service orientation, instructing, persuasion, social perceptiveness, mathematics, active listening, writing, speaking.

D. Other attributes including tolerance of travel, worldwide available, tolerance of living overseas, tolerance of living away from family, teamwork and cooperation, empathetic personality, self motivated/sufficient, physical endurance, etc.

Supplementary Questionnaire

Purpose: To allow an opportunity to describe your experiences that relate to the personal and professional skills required to accomplish the work of the Foreign Service Medical Technologist.

Instructions: Using plain white paper and word processor, individually address each of the numbered items listed below, limiting responses to 200 words or less for each item. The writing should be double-spaced. Examples can be drawn from any part of your experience, but must reflect personal accomplishments. You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills required of an experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist is the ability to write clearly and concisely.

1. Laboratory Skills: Describe a specific complex laboratory case, which you have encountered that demonstrates your laboratory skills in identifying and investigating an unexpected laboratory result.
2. Technology Skills: Describe your skill in managing laboratory instruments and technology, including conducting complex procedures and maintaining or troubleshooting equipment.
3. Organizational Abilities: Describe a specific achievement demonstrating your planning and organizational skills in the setting of a multidisciplinary clinical team or practice.
4. Problem Solving and Troubleshooting: Use specific examples to describe your troubleshooting skills involving laboratory instrumentation and procedures.
5. Teamwork Abilities: Discuss your abilities to participate as a team member working toward a common goal, as well as examples of your ability to assist a team in the accomplishment of a goal.
6. Public Speaking and Teaching Ability: Describe specific examples demonstrating your public speaking and teaching abilities as part of an assignment or work-related task.

Procedures for Applying 

We are not currently accepting applications for this position.  Please subscribe to receive email updates regarding this vacancy.

The following numbered materials are required for a complete application package. They become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned. All items listed below must be submitted together. To receive these documents via e-mail, please send a request to medhr@state.gov.

1. Completed Application for Federal Employment (DS-1950) (534kb, PDF).
2. Completed Employment Data Form. This is an optional form, which requests information to be used for statistical purposes only. This form is found on pages 6 & 7 of form DS-1950 (534kb, PDF).
3. Curriculum vitae.
4. Official transcripts, plus any other documentation which includes all courses taken, grades, semester or quarter hours earned, cumulative grade point averages for all courses taken, class standing/s, major (copy of Bachelor Degree).
5. Proof of a passing score on a national certification examination.
6. Copy of current registration as a medical technologist/medical laboratory scientist with a national certification agency.
7. Proof of successful completion of a NACCLS/CAAHEP medical technology/clinical laboratory science program or documented 5 years of equivalent qualifying experience.
8. Completed Supplementary Questionnaire.

These documents should be submitted and addressed to:

U.S. Department of State
Office of Medical Services
Attention: Foreign Service Regional
Regional Medical Technologist/MLS (FSRMT/MLS)
SA-1 Room L-216
2401 E Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20522

For additional information please refer to our web site at: careers.state.gov/specialist or call (202) 663-1084.

Applications which are received through State's inter-office mail system or mailed in Government-franked envelopes, will not be processed.

While this vacancy announcement shall remain open indefinitely, applications will be considered as the completed package arrives in the Department. The Department of State will be hiring a number of candidates. Please note that the average processing time for an application is 7-9 months, including the completion of the credentialing, medical and security clearances.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by US Code 310, sons and daughters of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT FOR ALL WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, RELIGION, AGE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, DISABLING CONDITION, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, OR PRIOR STATUTORY, CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED ACTIVITY. THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES. APPLICANTS REQUIRING A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY PART OF THE APPLICATION OR HIRING PROCESS SHOULD SO ADVISE THE DEPARTMENT. ALL DECISIONS FOR GRANTING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE MADE ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.