Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Qualifications

• 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
  • Education: 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
  • (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP 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 - GS-07 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
• Failure to obtain certification: In all cases - CLSs must actively work to meet requirements for certification starting from the date of their placement into the occupation
• At the time of appointment - the Human Resources (HR) Office staff - in collaboration with the supervisor - will provide the employee with the written requirements for certification - including the time by which the certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline
• Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in separation from employment
• 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
• 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 Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified

Duties

VA Careers - Clinical Laboratory Scientist: Performs collection of diagnostic samples to include venipuncture

Evaluates and solves problems related to the collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis - considering physiologic processes and requirements

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

Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment - including identifying malfunctions and performing repairs and preventive maintenance

Identifies discrepancies - solves problems - and presents solutions

Answers inquiries regarding test results - methodology - test specificity - test sensitivity - and specific factors that influence test results

Interprets test results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures

Affords assistance in evaluating and implementing new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment - method comparison - and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge

Interprets findings and makes recommendations

Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace with immediate or general supervision

Affords assistance in the instruction and training of new employees and students

Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines with minimal assistance

Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member - giving direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing

Functions in more complex targeted laboratory roles - responsibilities - or projects including by not limited to laboratory safety - quality management - quality improvement - analyzer operation - quality control - inventory control - laboratory competency assessment - proficiency testing - education - laboratory information management and/or ancillary testing - with minimal technical supervision

Works rotating weekends and holidays

Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized