U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 2 hours ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist-EDRP
San Antonio, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid, Senior LevelThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to develop, perform, evaluate, interpret, correlate, and validate laboratory procedures and results. The role involves working in various laboratory specialties and requires independent judgment and responsibility in laboratory operations.
GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (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 (but not limited to) chemistry, blood bank, immunology, hematology, urinalysis, serology, coagulation, and microbiology including subspecialties in parasitology, and mycobacteriology
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
Qualification
Required
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below: (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
Exception for Non-Certified: 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
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)
Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL
Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained
Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
Grandfathering Provision: 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: (1) 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 (2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f)
Experience: None beyond the basic requirements for Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-07
Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade OR Education: Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science for Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-09
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
Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level OR 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 for Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11
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
Physical Requirements: Ability to perform moderate lifting of 15-44 pounds - straight pulling - pushing - reaching above the shoulder - use of fingers and both hands - walking 4-8 hours - standing 4-8 hours - kneeling - repeated bending - and use of both arms and legs
Has vision for both eyes - depth perception - the ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors - and the ability to read ordinary type without strain
Has adequate hearing (aids permitted) - and the emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations
Preferred
Minimum 3 years' experience as a Generalist
Minimum 2 years' Blood Bank experience
General Knowledge in performing validations
ASCP or AMT Certification
Benefits
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)
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)
Company
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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