A Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)/ Medical laboratory Scientist (MLS)/ Medical Technologist (MT) at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision.
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. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. 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). Grade Determinations: Applicants must possess 1 yr of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-11), which is directly related to the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include; Independently carries out the day to day operations of the laboratory, Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results, Performs testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation. Ability to develop procedures for new tests, and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing, specimen requirements and results. Preferred Experience: Knowledge of CLIA and Joint Commission standards with prior inspection experience. Knowledge of VISTA/CPRS operating systems and Data Innovations middleware. Experience in both troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation and interfacing problems. Experience in validating new laboratory instrumentation. 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 11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 12. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability and ability to read ordinary type without strain, and wrist strain due to prolonged use of PC keyboards.
- Installs, configures, and implements data management solutions and interface connections between the HIS and laboratory instruments, analyzers, and medical devices, including point-of-care instruments, referral laboratory equipment and barcode label printers in the main facility and CBOCs. - LIM Support includes all areas of the laboratory including Central Lab, Reference Lab, Data Innovations, Ancillary Testing, Anatomic Pathology, Blood Bank, Phlebotomy and Microbiology. - Responsible for assisting the laboratory information manager in the development, deployment, and maintenance of Instrument Manager-based decision support algorithms (Rules). - Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory testing ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording systems. - Adopts appropriate methods of software and technology for local programs to meet agency goals. - Advises Lab Information Manager on various aspects of the functions and capabilities of the information system. - Collects data, analyzes data, and reports data through standardized methodologies pre-and post-implementation. - Prepares and submits reports as requested. - Participates/Supports VISN wide software implementation advisory group as needed. Ensures testing and deadline compliance for software upgrades, information security upgrades and software patches inclusive of audit trail documentation. - Ensures local compliance with information and cyber security requirements, including design and maintenance of the computer downtime contingency plan, inventory and critical device lists, quarterly computer access reviews, and annual testing and reporting of contingency testing. - Tests and verifies released patches for functionality before moving into the production account. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm Rotating weekends and holidays Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases . 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) 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 #: 25067F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized