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 eligibility requirements per 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
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C.7403 (f)
Education:
- A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university (Transcripts Required)
Certification:
- Candidates must meet one of the certification options below
- Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer)
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
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-07: Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-09: Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below
Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11: Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below
Duties
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) rotates with other technologist on a regular basis through the above-mentioned areas
S/He also works other assigned shifts: off-hour shifts - weekends - and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need
The duties and responsibilities of the CLS include but are not limited to the following:
Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the CLS (0644) occupation
In addition - performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
Recognizes deviation from expected results
Analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
Recognizes and communicates pre-defined critical results affecting patient care
Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis - requesting new specimens if determined to be unusable
Selects - performs - evaluates - and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols
Recognized and reacts to indicators of malfunction
Locates and implements corrections
Performs quality control procedures on equipment - reagents - and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports
Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring
Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs
Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures
Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e. - history - medications etc.) to verify results
Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly
Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system
Performs venipunctures and collects other specimens as required
Instructs - assists - and advises medical technicians - students - medical staff - and patients as necessary regarding questions including - but not limited to - patient testing - specimen collection - equipment - and ordering requirements
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
Adheres to all facility - local - state - and federal safety requirements
Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
Physical Requirements
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Duties
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) rotates with other technologist on a regular basis through the above-mentioned areas
S/He also works other assigned shifts: off-hour shifts - weekends - and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need
The duties and responsibilities of the CLS include but are not limited to the following:
Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the CLS (0644) occupation
In addition - performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
Recognizes deviation from expected results
Analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
Recognizes and communicates pre-defined critical results affecting patient care
Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis - requesting new specimens if determined to be unusable
Selects - performs - evaluates - and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols
Recognized and reacts to indicators of malfunction
Locates and implements corrections
Performs quality control procedures on equipment - reagents - and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports
Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring
Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs
Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures
Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e. - history - medications etc.) to verify results
Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly
Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system
Performs venipunctures and collects other specimens as required
Instructs - assists - and advises medical technicians - students - medical staff - and patients as necessary regarding questions including - but not limited to - patient testing - specimen collection - equipment - and ordering requirements
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
Adheres to all facility - local - state - and federal safety requirements
Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines