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. Responsibilities 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 Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 606040 Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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. 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). 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. Education Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.