U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 5 hours ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator)
Louisville, KY
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$106K/yr - $138K/yr
1+ years expThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to oversee ancillary testing programs. The role involves policy development, compliance monitoring, and providing technical expertise in laboratory testing outside the main laboratory.
GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
The CLS develops and recommends policies and procedures for procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing (testing outside the physical confines of the main laboratory) as mandated by VHA that include the ensuring CLIA licenses are maintained for off-site facilities such as Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC)
The CLS consults with leadership of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs, analyzes emerging trends and technology, and adopts appropriate methods
The CLS serves as a recognized technical expert to provide authoritative advice, training, troubleshooting, quality assessment and ancillary testing program consultation
The CLS develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials, and other program materials
The CLS ensures accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies for patient testing, results reporting, and proficiency testing
They also monitor and report on continuous performance improvement initiatives
This individual evaluates ancillary testing activities to assess ongoing day-to-day compliance with established protocols and guidelines
They identify define, and resolve issues associated with complex aspects of data and problems associated with unique aspects of the ancillary testing management program
The CLA has knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements and performs and evaluates instruments, performs validation studies, recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies, and improves the program
The CLS develops and implements corrective action when deficiencies are identified and coordinates inventory management, supply acquisition, and contracts
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: Certification is required at the GS-12 (1) 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 (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held
Loss of Credential: If an employee fails to maintain the required certification - management officials - in collaboration with HR Office staff - must immediately remove the employee from duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation. This may also result in separation from employment
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 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
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)
Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements for employment candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified
GS-12 Experience: Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11)
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): (a) Knowledge of medical technology concepts - principles - practices and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight and guidance for testing programs outside of the laboratory (b) Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control - quality assurance - proficiency testing - inspection and accreditation - and continuous quality improvement (c) Knowledge of Federal - state and VHA laws - regulations - reference standards - and certifying or accrediting agency requirements to carry out work in each ancillary testing site (d) Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity (e) Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing (f) Ability to evaluate - interpret - and teach others to use quality control procedures and implement corrective actions
Physical Requirements: Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), use of fingers, both hands required, walking (up to 4 hours), standing (up to 4 hours), repeated bending (up to 2 hours), intermittent - but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling, ability to distinguish basic colors, near vision correctable at 13" to 16", ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens, ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise, working closely with others, high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy, emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations, ability to wear required personal protective equipment as required
Benefits
Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program
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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