The VISN 22 Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PALMS) encompass the eight consolidated laboratories located at specific VA facilities within the VISN. PALMS is looking for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical Specialist- Ancillary Testing) for the VA Long Beach Healthcare System.
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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following: (1) Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program. OR (2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination. NOTE: Possession of a certification identified below automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed. Certification. Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer). 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). Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or be changed to a lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) If an assignment above the FPL requires an additional certification over and above the basic requirements, employees must meet the assignment-specific requirement before they can be promoted. (3) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) Employees retained in this occupation under this provision who subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation. (5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical Specialist) GS-12 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11) is required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (A) Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems. (B) Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization. (C) Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system. (D) Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions. (E) Ability to adapt, implement and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software. (F) Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. Assignment: Maintains process control in a specialty area through a multifaceted quality assurance program. The CLS advises all organizational levels on various aspects of specialized testing, including appropriateness that takes into consideration clinical context. The CLS advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses and analyzes emerging trends and technology to adopt appropriate methods and testing. The CLS develops policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing. The CLS assumes responsibility for training and competency assessment of staff and students within the area assigned. The technical specialist often works independently and is given freedom of action under the general guidance of a pathologist or other laboratory practitioner. Preferred Experience: Ancillary Testing 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 GS-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical Specialist - Ancillary Testing) is responsible for assisting the coordinator of ancillary testing and overseeing testing outside the physical confines of the laboratory with the VA Long Beach Healthcare System to review, plan, and direct developmental approaches to new automated and manual testing utilizing extensive knowledge of advanced technology and techniques. The incumbent also develops and recommends policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirement for ancillary testing. Provide technical expertise to provide authoritative advice and ancillary (point-of-care) testing program consultation in the areas of quality control, records control, training, competency assessment, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation for ancillary testing on a hospital-wide basis and oversees the safe and accurate testing of outreach function patients in the clinics. Ensures compliance with local and national polices and procedures and federal agency regulations; this includes The Joint Commission, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine National Enforcement Office, CLIA and VHA Directive 1106 requirements. Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of specialized testing, including appropriateness that takes into consideration clinical context. Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses. Analyzes emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods and testing. Applies policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor and maintain the specialized testing. The technical specialist often works independently and is given freedom of action under the general guidance of a pathologist or other laboratory practitioner. Serve as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge. Conducts studies and recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area. Recommends new/replacement instrumentation. Designs work flow to accomplish objectives in the clinical specialty area. Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of the specialized testing, including the appropriateness of specific tests and takes into consideration the clinical context and usefulness of the test information. Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses. Identifies training needs appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed. Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique or controversial aspects of the testing where no direct precedent exists. Analyzes emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods and testing. Applies laws, policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing. Maintains process control in a specialty area through a multifaceted quality assurance program. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm PST Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized