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USAJOBS · 1 month ago

Clinical Laboratory Scientist - EDRP Approved

Harlingen, Texas, USA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid, Senior Level

$51K/yr - $99K/yr

1+ years exp

The VA TX Valley Coastal Bend HCS is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to work in the Pathology and Laboratory Service. The role involves performing clinical laboratory procedures on biological specimens, ensuring accurate results for patient diagnosis and treatment, and maintaining laboratory operations in compliance with regulatory standards.

ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory

Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements

Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests

Assesses a situation, considers the options, and formulates an appropriate course of action

Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures to include pre-analytic, analytic, and post analytic processes with minimal technical supervision

Performs testing in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, phlebotomy, hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, toxicology, urinalysis, referral laboratory, microbiology, and specimen processing

Recognizes data with life threatening (critical) implications and understands the importance of immediately bringing the data to the attention of the patients' physician and/or nursing staff

Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement

Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace

Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions

Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results

Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures

Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge

Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/ continuing education program

Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member

Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines

Participates in proficiency testing programs

Performs administrative duties as necessary for laboratory services

Receives and directs calls to appropriate laboratory department/section. Provide guidance to clinical and non-clinical staff on clinical and anatomical laboratory testing services

Documents customer concerns, complaints, or compliments

Advises clinical and non-clinical staff on proper ordering protocols for patient testing and fiscal efficiency based on established guidelines or pathologist approval

Performs supplemental testing (add-on) function for the clinical laboratory and anatomical pathology

Qualification

Clinical Laboratory ScienceLaboratory Quality ControlLaboratory Equipment MaintenanceMedical Technology CertificationClinical Laboratory ExperienceCustomer ServicePatient EducationTeam CollaborationProblem SolvingCommunication Skills

Required

1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade

Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science

Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing

Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles

Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance

Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments

Ability to read and interpret written instructions

Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing

United States Citizenship

Must be proficient in written and spoken English

Must pass pre-employment placement examination

Valid Driver's License Required

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Preferred

5+ years of general laboratory and phlebotomy experience as a Medical Technologist

Experience with wide variety of clinical laboratory equipment such as Chemistry/Immunoassay (i.e., Roche Cobas), Hematology/ Coagulation (i.e., Sysmex XN series, Werfen ACL TOP), Molecular Testing (i.e, GeneXpert), Elisa Testing (i.e, Diasorn), and Urinalysis (i.e, Beckman DxU Iris)

Skilled in informatics (i.e., CPRS/VISTa), laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes

Comprehensive knowledge of professional clinical laboratory principles, practices, concepts, and theories with the ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results

Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems

Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education

Benefits

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time off per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

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)