The New York Harbor Healthcare System is currently hiring a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator) at the Manhattan VA Medical Center
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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.7403(f). Certification. Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. Grandfathering Provision: 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement: Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11) is required. This experience may include, but is not limited to; Providing authoritative advice and consultation to management at all levels of the organization for more markedly difficult, complex, unique and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge; Identify, define, and resolve issues associated with complex aspects of the collected data; Advise on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses. Analyze emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods and testing. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight and guidance for testing programs outside of the laboratory. Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement. Knowledge of Federal, state, and VHA laws, regulations, reference standards, and certifying or accrediting agency requirements to carry out work in each ancillary testing site. Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity. Skill in applying new scientific/technological developments and theories to laboratory testing. Ability to evaluate, interpret, and teach others to use quality control procedures and implement corrective actions. Preferred Experience: Leadership experience relevant to administration of ancillary point of care testing to include compliance, quality, training, and interfacing. Creditable Experience. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with current CLS practices. The experience satisfying this requirement may be paid or non-paid employment as a CLS in the health care field. Research laboratory experience does not fulfill this requirement. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience is creditable according to its relationship to a full-time workweek. For example, an individual employed 20 hours per week, or on a half-time basis, would receive 1 full-time workweek of credit for each 2 weeks of service. Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to CLS experience at the next lower grade level of the position being filled. For all assignments above the full performance level (FPL), the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity, and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-12. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs); As needed - Straight pulling, pushing, walking, standing, repeated bending, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required; both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; ability to see and distinguish depth perception, basic colors, and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted). In addition, the ability to deal with constant noise, work around machinery with moving parts, work closely with others or alone and work protracted or irregular hours.
Major duties include: Develops and recommends policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing (testing outside the physical confines of the main laboratory as mandated by VHA) for New York Harbor facilities. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator) or ATC consults with program managers or equivalent of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology. Serves as a recognized technical expert to provide authoritative advice, training, troubleshooting, competency assessment, and ancillary testing program consultation. The ATC develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials and other program materials, which ensure accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies concerning patient testing, result reporting, and proficiency testing including reports, quality monitors, and continuous performance improvement initiatives. Ancillary testing activities must be evaluated to assess ongoing day-to-day compliance with established protocols and guidelines identifying, defining, and resolving issues associated with complex aspects of the data and problems associated with unique aspects of the ancillary testing management program. The Ancillary Testing Coordinator must also have knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements, evaluates instruments, validation studies, recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies and improve the program, develops, and implements corrective action when deficiencies are identified, and coordinates inventory management, supply acquisition, and contracts as appropriate. Incumbent may be assigned to other duties in the lab as indicated below. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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: Available as directed by supervisor Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 12247F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized