Summary

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is a certified laboratory professional who performs complex laboratory diagnostic testing on human specimens for diagnosis - treatment - or prevention of disease in clinical laboratory specialties including - but not limited to - Hematology - Chemistry - Immunohematology (Blood Bank) - Microbiology - Immunology - Cytogenetics - Anatomic Pathology - Electron Microscopy - Molecular Diagnostics - and Flow Cytometry.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Education
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Certification
• Candidates must meet one of the following 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
• 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 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 in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-12 - Assignments Experience
• One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments
• Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of concepts - principles - and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization
• Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system
• Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions
• Ability to adapt - implement and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes - including the use of office automation software
• Ability to independently plan - organize - set priorities - work as a team member - and effectively complete assignments
• Preferred Experience: MT (AAB) Generalist certification
• 5-7 years of clinical laboratory 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: 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
• ability to read ordinary type without strain.

Duties

• Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Required to know all concepts - principles - and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems
• Required to know all laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization
• Required to know all laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system
• Required to know all compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions
• Adapts - implements and integrates the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes - including the use of office automation software
• Independently plans - organizes - sets priorities - works as a team member - and effectively completes assignments
• The duties and responsibilities of the SCLS-LIM include but are not limited to the following: Develops - recommends - and writes new policies and procedures regarding the installation and use of the laboratory information system (LIS) or the hospital information system (HIS)
• Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering - reporting - billing - and workload recording systems
• Analyzes emerging trends - software - and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals
• Advise all organizational levels on various aspects of the functions and capabilities of the information system
• Serves as a CLS with responsibility for performing procedures in the areas of chemistry - hematology - coagulation - urinalysis - immunology - immunohematology (blood banking) - serology
• microbiology - flow cytometry - molecular pathology and/or and specimen procurement and processing
• Serves as a backup PIV/ePAS coordinator for P&LMS
• Serves as a recognized expert to provide authoritative advice and consultation on the information system
• Monitors computer resources and makes recommendations to higher level authorities regarding allocation or future software and hardware needs
• Serves as the local expert for national software developers for alpha or beta testing of software packages
• Maintains competency as a backup operator for P&LMS Document Control System - Dragon - Temp Traks temperature monitoring system
• Carries out day-to-day operations related to laboratory computer use
• Responsible for assigning appropriate computer access and menus
• Responsible for ensuring routine computer maintenance and computer security
• Ensures that instrument interfaces are maintained and troubleshoots as necessary
• Trains P&LMS staff on computer usage and software programs
• Designs and maintains databases used for data gathering for department and interdepartmental use
• Establish baseline measures (data collection - analysis - reporting) through standardized methodologies pre-and post-implementation
• Submit reports as requested
• Collaborate - coordinate - and work with supervisors or other designees in the sections to ensure the appropriate CPT codes and RVUs are appropriately assigned to the tests
• As needed coordinate CPT - RVU reviews to ensure accuracy
• Perform initial and ongoing skill-gap analysis of users (hardware software)
• resolve identified user issues prior to implementation
• Maintains competencies in at least one clinical laboratory section to maintain clinical knowledge and support the laboratory leadership
• Complete requested reviews/audits within the time frame given
• Performs other duties as assigned by the laboratory manager
• Work Schedule: Full-time - Monday - Friday - 7:30am - 4:00pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized 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)
• 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) Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 606040