Medical Technologist at US Embassy in Dar es salaam

Closing Date of The Position: October 10, 2014

ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.

The US Embassy is seeking an individual for the position of Medical Technologist in the Health Unit.

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION

The incumbent will serve as the U.S., Western European or Non-Western certified equivalent trained Medical Technologist with comparable qualifications. The position is located in the Embassy Health Unit (HU) Laboratory and is under the direct supervision of the Post Medical Advisor. The position will provide the full range of professional clinical laboratory services to American and Locally Employed Staff.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides laboratory services during assigned work hours.

70%

Performs laboratory testing according to US standards specified in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA ’88) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) regulations in the areas of hematology, urinalysis, chemistry, microbiology, serology, immunology, blood banking, and parasitology to employees (US Direct Hire, LES, any eligible beneficiary).

Maintains electronic and paper records of patient’s results, equipment maintenance, and quality assurance documentation for two years and guards information appropriately per CLIA 88 requirements. 

Complies with Department of State, Office of Medical Services and embassy policies and procedures. 

Performs laboratory procedures to aid in the diagnosis of infectious and tropical diseases (HIV, malaria, shistosomiasis, typhoid, etc.). 

Assesses accuracy and validity of test results by applying knowledge of relevant scientific principles, identifies probable causes for irregular and atypical findings. 

Evaluates laboratory test results and provides detailed information to medical providers as necessary. Selects appropriate action according to protocols approved by the RMLS, RMO, and Post Medical Adviser. 

Makes independent decisions as well as modifications and adaptations in methodology and confirmatory testing in order to achieve valid results. 

Performs appropriate laboratory testing to gather important epidemiological information from an infectious disease outbreak. 

Serves as a consultant to the health unit medical providers, the Peace Corps medical providers as well as CDC in Dar es Salaam and private laboratories.

Collects, labels, and processes patient specimens.

3%

Follows specific Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) for the collection and handling of all test specimens dependent upon the test requisition. 

Assures proper collection and processing of PAP and biopsy specimens. 

Ensures the proper storage and shipment of patient specimens for analyses, which must be performed by outside reference laboratories, each specimen having specific collection, processing, storage, and shipment requirements. 

Assures storage and handling requirements are met for all requested tests on patient specimens and environmental samples. 

Follows International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for the shipment of bio-hazardous, diagnostic and infectious specimens. Instructs providers and patients on proper specimen collection. 

Assures that all test results on specimens sent out of the health unit laboratory are received in a timely manner and reviewed by a provider. 

Serves as a first responder for any terrorist attack or environmental crises that may take place at the embassy. Performs appropriate laboratory testing. Develops laboratory protocols for various scenarios.

Adheres to an established Quality Assurance Program.

2%

Follows written policies and procedures for all laboratory testing and quality control procedures. Adheres to established policies for handling unacceptable specimens due to improper collection, handling, age, storage, etc. 

Performs calibration and functional checks on all instrumentation at required intervals. Performs daily quality control and evaluates these value to determine if Patient test results are valid; 

Determines causes of unacceptable results and initiates corrective action. 

Establishes new QC lot ranges to maintain valid test systems. 
Performs correlation and precision studies for new equipment and test procedures. * Documents all quality control testing, function checks, calibrations and temperatures. 

Performs daily, monthly and quarterly maintenance on the laboratory’s complex electronic equipment and precision instruments (total value approximately $50,000). Troubleshoots instruments, resolves technical problems, and initiates remedial actions. Monitors autoclave performance through daily and monthly quality control procedures. Monitors temperatures of the laboratory, refrigerators, freezers, incubators and heating blocks to assure proper conditions for testing and storage of supplies. 

Maintains an organized record management system. Copies of patient test reports, laboratory requisitions, instrument maintenance logs, and quality control and proficiency testing records are retained for two years with immunohematology, blood banking records for five years and histocytology records for ten years. 

Reviews all laboratory reports before results are distributed to medical providers. 

Participates in quarterly proficiency testing surveys. Submits the results to the proficiency-testing provider within the required time period. Retains records of proficiency testing results and documents the review of each report. Takes corrective action when necessary. Retains documentation of review and remedial action for each result that does not fall within acceptable limits.

Maintains procurement and financial management responsibilities for the Health Unit Laboratory

5%

Responsible for the ordering and inventory control of laboratory reagents and supplies Manages laboratory budget (annual supply budget up to $25,000). 

Prepares supply orders, assuring that all items are compatible with existing equipment; submits orders and follows through until supplies are received and invoices paid. 

Maintains inventory of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to comply with Occupational Health Safety Administration (OSHA). 

Maintains laboratory equipment maintenance contracts

Maintains post’s Walking Blood Bank.

1%

Assists in the maintenance Walking Blood Bank database to include blood types on everyone under the Medical program. 

Maintains a list of potential volunteer donors. 

Responsible for the collection of donor blood or the oversight of this collection if performed in local facility, processing, testing of donor blood, compatibility testing, labeling, storage, and transport of blood to an individual requiring an emergency blood transfusion. Also responsible to send blood of both donors and recipient to M/Med for confirmatory testing. 
Updates SOPs for the Blood Bank and adheres strictly to AABB regulations. 

Maintains good working relationship with local blood bank hospital. Assist local blood bank hospitals in sponsoring blood draws within the embassy, consulate or international community.

Responsible for Medical Clearance laboratory examinations

5%

Performs all laboratory diagnostic testing as approved by the medical provider. 

Verifies and approves laboratory bills for payment (based on authorization) related to the clearance exam which could not be performed in-house. 

Performs FSN pre-employment physical laboratory testing

Performs annual FSN driver physical examination laboratory and hearing testing.

Participates in disease prevention/health education programs.

3%

Assures proper collection and tests samples from Mission’s water supply. 

Performs food safety inspections of embassy, consulate, marine house, American Club, and USAID. 

Conducts health education programs to include food safety and infection control. 

Collects blood specimens from children < 6 years of age for blood lead screening. 

Collects samples for the Department of State DNA Registry Program; assures proper documentation and handling of all DNA samples.

Oversees the implementation and adherence to the Health Unit’s

2%

Exposure Control Plan for blood borne pathogens. 

Responsible for disposal and incineration of all embassy health unit and Peace Corps health unit medical waste per OSHA regulations. Maintains required documentation. 

Strictly adheres to policies and procedures established in the Exposure Control Plan. Monitors the health unit staff’s adherence to these policies. Provides hepatitis B antibody testing to verify immunity levels of health unit staff. 

Evaluates new safety products for the workplace to minimize blood borne pathogen exposures.

Oversees the implementation and adherence to the health unit

1%

Hazardous Chemical Control Plan. 

Maintains on file Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous chemicals used by the laboratory as well as medical providers. 

Ensures the proper labeling, storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. Institutes work practice and engineering controls in the safe use of hazardous chemicals.

Maintains current working knowledge and relationship with the local reference laboratory directors and their facilities.

2%

Maintains a list of acceptable local reference laboratories and copies of their test menus, specimen collection and handling requirements, test methodology or equipment, and price listings. Identifies new local laboratory and blood bank facilities for the RMLS to assess. 

Communicates regularly with the Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist (RMLS) on the performance of the local laboratories and blood banks.

Reporting requirements

2%

Reports test results according to established procedures. 

Compiles and statistically analyzes monthly workload data in order to follow increased/decreased workloads, testing performed, laboratory supply usage, and epidemiological trends. 

Submits annual Statistics Report on testing to MED/LAB Washington, D.C. 

Submits Monthly Quality Control and Statistics Report to the RMLS. 

Submits Continuing Medical Education Report and Competency Assessment Report to the RMLS. 

Prepares Food Safety Inspection Report. 

Submits an Accident Report on all exposure incidents. 

Utilizes abstracts, tables, charts, graphs, etc. for inclusion in the reporting.

Must be available outside of normal embassy working hours.

2%

Available for call-back as necessary at post. 

Available to work weekends and holidays when necessary to complete microbiological testing. 

Available to respond to the embassy on an emergency basis. 

Continuing Education. Attends continuing medical education conferences held outside of country as scheduled. Completes University of Washington MTS on-line courses and biannual competency assessment tests. Reads medical journals and other publications to stay up to date on current laboratory practices.

Coordinates and conducts cross training of in-house health unit staff.

1%

Provides training on quality assurance measures, specimen handling, latest technology, waived testing, and other laboratory topics. 

Assists in procedure development and comparative evaluation of new and/or modified tests and assays.

Additional Administrative Duties

1%

Maintains written or electronic record of policies and procedures for the health unit laboratory. 

Other duties and training as assigned by RMLS, RMO, MGT, or the Post Medical Advisor.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

1. Education:  
   A Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science or chemistry, physical, or biological science from a recognized institution is required.
2. Prior Work Experience:  
   A minimum of two years of clinical laboratory experience in a hospital laboratory, private laboratory or medical research program is required. Experience must have provided an understanding of the methods and techniques applied in performing professional clinical laboratory work.
3. Language proficiency: 
   Level IV English (fluent) Speaking/Reading English is required. Level II Speaking/Reading Kiswahili is required.
4. Knowledge:  
   Fully developed skills to perform both routine and complex laboratory testing in the areas of hematology, urinalysis, chemistry, microbiology, serology, immunology, blood banking, and parasitology. Proficiency in specimen collection and phlebotomy are essential. Must be familiar with U.S. laboratory standards of testing and quality assurance practices as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88). Must be able to work independently at times with only telephone consultations with the RMLS. Applicant must have a good understanding of General Anatomy, Medical Terminology, and Laboratory Science. Must have knowledge of laboratory equipment used in performing a variety of laboratory tests and skill in performing preventive maintenance and troubleshooting/repair on laboratory equipment.
5. Skills and Abilities:  
   Ability to use specialized laboratory equipment. Must be able to use a computer for word processing and email. Able to explain complex medical information to his or her peers, as well as a lay audience, Process problem-solving skills that will allow for the maintenance and troubleshooting of complex medical equipment, database management skills. The position requires strong interpersonal skills and a client-oriented disposition.

SELECTION PROCESS

When fully qualified, US Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and US Veterans are given preference. Therefore, it is essential that the candidate specifically address the required qualifications above in the application. 

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy. 

TO APPLY

Interested candidates for this position must submit the following for consideration of the application:

1. Universal Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174). A hard copy of the application form (DS-174) is also available at the American Embassy, gate 3; or
2. A combination of both; i.e. Sections 1 -24 of the UAE along with a listing of the applicant’s work experience attached as a separate sheet; or
3. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found on the UAE (see section 3A below for more information); plus
4. Candidates who claim US Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application. Candidates who claim conditional US Veterans preference must submit documentation confirming eligibility for a conditional preference in hiring with their application.
5. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

3A. If an applicant is submitting a resume or curriculum vitae, s/he must provide the following information equal to what is found on the UAE. 

Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application.

A. Position Title
B. Position Grade
C. Vacancy Announcement Number (if known) 
D. Dates Available for Work
E. First, Middle, & Last Names as well as any other names used
F. Date and Place of Birth
G. Current Address, Day, Evening, and Cell phone numbers
H. U.S. Citizenship Status (Yes or No) & status of permanent U.S. Resident (Yes or No; if yes, provide number) 
I. U.S. Social Security Number and/or Identification Number
J. Eligibility to work in the country (Yes or No) 
K. Special Accommodations the Mission needs to provide 
L. If applying for position that includes driving a U.S. Government vehicle, Driver’s License Class / Type 
M. Days available to work
N. List any relatives or members of your household that work for the U.S. Government (include their Name, Relationship, & Agency, Position, Location) 
O. U.S. Eligible Family Member and Veterans Hiring Preference 
P. Education 
Q. License, Skills, Training, Membership, & Recognition
R. Language Skills 
S. Work Experience
T. References

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO

American Embassy
Human Resources Office
P.O. Box 9123
Dar es Salaam

POINT OF CONTACT

Telephone: 229 4000, Ext: 4137/4148/4233/4024
Fax: 2294726

CLOSING DATE OF THE POSITION: October 10, 2014.