Summary

Serves as a Technical Specialist CLS in Chemistry - providing expert authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult - complex - unique and/or emerging tests that require special knowledge. Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of specialized testing - including appropriateness that takes into consideration clinical context.

Qualifications

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)
• Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• 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: 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 Submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
• Certification: Must possess one of the below certifications 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
• 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 - the following criteria must be met for this position
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical Specialist) - GS-12 Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge and understanding of concepts - principles - methodology of medical laboratory technology - regulatory and accrediting agency requirements - medico-legal requirements - and pertinent statistics sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests
• Knowledge of instructional techniques to instruct newly hired clinical laboratory scientists and clinical pathology residents in proper performance of tests and applications of laboratory procedures
• Knowledge of one or more advanced clinical laboratory functions
• Skill to apply new scientific/technical developments to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations
• Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to accomplish the work of a clinical laboratory
• Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to accomplish the work of the specific laboratory section
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting/carrying (15-44 pounds)
• straight pulling (up to 1/4 hour)
• pulling hand over hand (up to 1/4 hour)
• pushing (up to 1/4 hour)
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• walking/standing (4-8 hours)
• repeated bending (2-4 hours)
• near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/40 and 20/50 in other eye
• both eyes required
• depth perception
• ability to distinguish basic and shades of colors
• hearing (aid permitted).

Duties

• Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Clinical Laboratory Scientist: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technologist-Career-Flyer.pdf Major Duties: Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult - complex - unique - and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge
• Examples are - but not limited to - molecular/DNA testing - bone marrow examination - genetic testing - and flow cytometry
• Conducts studies and recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area
• Recommends new/replacement instrumentation
• Designs workflow 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 related duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday - 7:30am to 4:00pm 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: Not eligible
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:000000