Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Qualifications

Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment not to exceed 2 years and may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). This appointment may not be extended.

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: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English
• Education : A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one course in microbiology) - 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry Certification: Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below: (1) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
• (2) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
• Exception for Non-Certified
• (a)Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency
• (b) Non-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2).(c)Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL.(d)Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.(e)Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
• Grade Determinations: GS-7 Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Entry Level) Employee at this level serves in a CLS entry-level position
• It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require daily direct supervision
• Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-9 Clinical Laboratory Scientist An individual at this grade level serves as a developmental CLS
• The CLS is responsible for evaluating - performing - interpreting - and validating the accuracy and validity of test results
• The CLS demonstrates a clear progression of clinical knowledge and experience by performing testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods
• This includes routine testing - quality control - routine maintenance of instrumentation - and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solving
• Deviations from regular procedures - unanticipated problems - and unfamiliar situations are referred to more experienced staff for a decision or assistance
• Assignments at this level will include developmental duties of increasing scope and diversity as compared to the entry level
• It is expected that a CLS at this grade performs more complex work while receiving less frequent supervision than at the entry level
• Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: (a) Experience
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade
• OR (b) Education
• Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing
• (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles
• (c) Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance
• (d) Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments
• (e) Ability to read and interpret written instructions
• (f) Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical - analytical - and post-analytical phases of testing
• GS-11 Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Full Performance) This is considered FPL for a CLS
• A CLS at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory
• The CLS develops - performs - evaluates - interprets - correlates - and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements
• The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry - microbiology - immunology - hematology - and immunohematology
• Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods
• In addition to routine testing - the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting
• The CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states - determines the validity of test results - and the need for additional tests
• Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer - analyzer specialist - primary operator on new test systems - quality control specialist - supply control - and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program
• This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing
• These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility - including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision
• The CLS assesses a situation - considers the options - and formulates an appropriate course of action
• This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures - collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients - and providing education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional - courteous - and effective manner
• Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: (a) Experience
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• OR (b) Education
• Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts - and theories that support sound - independent work
• (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
• (c) Skill in informatics - laboratory data flow - and laboratory processes
• (d) Ability to maintain - troubleshoot - and repair instrumentation
• (e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
• (f) Ability to read - interpret - and apply complex written instructions
• (g) Ability to communicate - consult - and interact with other members of the health care team - external relations - customer service - and patient education
• References: VA HANDBOOK REFERENCE 5005/46 - PART II - APPENDIX G24 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 7 to 11
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Major duties include - but are not limited to the following: Greets / identifies patients
• secures and accessions appropriate laboratory orders and requests written follow-up / 'read back' for verbal orders from ordering personnel
• performs phlebotomy on inpatients and outpatients
• and labels specimen containers per accreditation agency standards / SOP
• Verifies correct identification of patients and specimens using two identifiers throughout collection - aliquoting - processing - handling - testing - reporting - and storage according to requirements
• The incumbent performs a broad range of advanced and complex laboratory procedures
• Evaluates specimen suitability for analysis - requesting new specimen (or recollection) if necessary
• Documents specimen rejections and corrective actions according to lab SOP
• Logs in all acceptable specimens received into the appropriate accession areas during preanalytical phase of processing
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking in to account physiologic processes and requirements
• Calibrates - standardizes - adjusts - and maintains instruments
• Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures with quality control checks
• Identifies and trouble shoots cause(s) of malfunction and performs simple repairs and corrective actions when maintenance - function checks - calibration - and quality control fail
• Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance improvement
• Follows all applicable regulations when preparing specimens for commercial transport systems (DOT / IATA/USPS/Private courier/ VA Driver)
• Maintains current knowledge of transportation regulations by participating in continuing education as available to ensure active certification for specimen shipping / transport
• Assesses specimens for additional laboratory testing orders and performs additional lab testing as indicated
• Performs routine quality assessments promptly and accurately
• Communicates effectively and in both writing and verbally when dealing with co-workers - supervisors - and patients
• The incumbent adheres to established safety policies - participates in the competency assessment programs - and performs analysis of proficiency testing (CAP Surveys)
• Supports quality assurance activities in the Laboratory
• Works with different computer applications to include: CPRS - VistA - Excel - Word - etc
• Work Schedule: M-F hours TBD Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 07402F - 07401F - 07400F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact susan.bringel@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized