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. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Clarification from the agency
If you are not a Current, Federal Employee please submit your application here: CBST-12170412-24-AMA
Duties
If you ARE a Current, Federal Employee submit your application here: CBST-12170412-24-AMA
The Medical Technologist (Laboratory Information Manager):
- Supports computer operations in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service and provides authoritative advice and consultation on the computer information system and Electronic Medical Record.
- Develops, recommends, and writes new policies and procedures (SOPs) regarding the installation and use of the Laboratory Information System (LIS) in conjunction with the overall SLVHCS Hospital Information System (HIS)/ Electronic Medical Record
- Independently plans and executes the procedures necessary to complete the work assignment and handles concerns in accordance with established protocols or accepted laboratory procedures.
- Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing and workload recording systems (for example: CPT, DSS, LMIP, LOINC, and VBECS).
- Analyzes emerging trends, software, and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals.
- Serves as a recognized subject matter expert (SME) to provide authoritative advice and consultation on the Laboratory Information System. Monitors computer resources and makes recommendations to higher level authorities regarding allocation or future software and hardware needs.
- Serves as the local subject matter expert for national software developers for alpha or beta testing of software packages.
- Responsible for assigning appropriate computer access and menus; responsible for ensuring routine computer maintenance and computer security.
- Ensures that instrument interfaces are maintained and troubleshoots as necessary.
- Trains P&LMS staff, students, and residents on computer usage and software programs.
- Educates staff regarding protection of electronic files, prevention of unauthorized release of information, or inappropriate alteration, or deletion of data.
- Responsible for maintaining all Laboratory files in the Laboratory Information System.
- Assists in identification and selection of methods that provide standardized work and ensures the proper application of accreditation agency standards (TJC, CLIA, CAP, AABB & FDA) as it relates to computer use in the laboratory.
- The incumbent maintains current CLIA accreditation documentation for the P&LMS laboratories and works with the ATC to maintain current CLIA accreditation documentation for all CBOCs for POC testing.
- Develops, selects, and implements practices that provide efficient and effective processes in laboratory data management quality management procedures incorporating Performance Improvement Principles, such as LEAN..
- Designs and maintains databases used for data gathering for department and interdepartmental use.
- Interacts with the Clinical Applications Coordinators to assure the proper presentation of patient data in the EMR and verifies the accuracy of data transmission of patient result in the EMR.
- Continuously monitors the test availability offering and adds new tests as necessary (internal and send-out).
- In-services P&LMS staff on the LIS, Instrument Manager, and Windows applications and provides Computer use/Privacy training to new employees.
- Maintains granular permissions and security on the folders and subfolders of the departmental Shared Drives as requested by Laboratory Manager or Service Chief. Advises when folders need section maintenance to reduce size.
- Works with P&LMS management to eliminate waste and variance while increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of laboratory and Medical Center operations.
- Works with laboratory sections to develop and maintain Auto Validation processes to improve accuracy of data transmission, patient safety and test result turn-around-times.
- Responsible for laboratory continuous readiness for regulating agency inspections and accreditation from agencies such as The Joint Commission (TJC) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the VA National Pathology Office.
- Responsible for participation as needed in Section, Service and Facility level Performance Improvement data collection and presentation.
- Works closely with Biomedical Engineering to plan updates and installation of new software and servers.
- Builds and maintains Laboratory Electronic Data Interchange (LEDI) interfaces with VA and Commercial Reference Labs.
- Initiates computer access for new Pathology employees and maintains PIV card access for all Pathology employees.
- Acts as a backup to the ACT section as assigned by the Supervisor ATC.
Work Schedule: Flexible 20 hours per week with rotating weekends & holidays
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 629-00617-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact Christopher.Billiot, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
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: MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, part II.
Certification: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT
Education and/or Experience Combination:
- A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.) AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. OR,
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR,
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory.
- Foreign Education: . Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraph 2b(2) or (3) above. This finding may be based on either of the following:
(1) A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree.
(2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination.
Grade Determinations: GS-12 Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled.
Assignment. The incumbent develops and recommends new policies and procedures regarding the installation and use of the laboratory information system (LIS) in conjunction with the overall hospital information system (HIS). Provides authoritative advice and consultation on the information system as they apply to the clinical laboratory. Advises all organizational levels on functions and capabilities of the LIS. Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing and workload recording taking into account compliance principles. Analyzes emerging trends, software and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals. Serves as the local expert for national software developers for the testing and validation of software packages. Responsible for compliance with regulatory agency requirements as related to information systems and performs audits as needed. Provides consultation and training of personnel on computer functions, including ordering options, and responsible for the maintenance of computer security keys.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of concepts, principles and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems.
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization sufficient to provide advisory, inspection, training and problem-solving services on specific projects, programs or functions.
- Ability to adapt, implement, and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software.
- Knowledge of laboratory computer system analysis, program techniques, computer language, and program design sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system.
- Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.
- Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions.
Preferred Qualifications: Ideal candidate should have 2 or 3 years Full-time experience as a Laboratory Information Manager (LIM). Incumbent should have experience working with VistA, building and maintaining Laboratory Electronic Data Interchange (LEDI) interfaces with VA and Commercial Reference Labs, implementing and maintaining coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing and workload recording systems, (DSS, LMIP, LOINC and VBECS), SQL Searches and developing practices that provide efficient processes in laboratory data management procedures incorporating Performance Improvement Practices such as LEAN.
References: VA Handbook 5005/72 Part II Appendix G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standard
This vacancy is above the full performance level.
Physical Demands: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Transcript
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- VA 10-2850-C
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12170411.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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