Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
- 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.
NOTE: The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director), GS-15, requires unique education requirements. Please reference the education requirements located in that assignment below.
- Foreign Graduates. 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.
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.
- 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.
NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. 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).
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:
GS 12 Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-12, you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11), which is directly related to the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include Providing authoritative advice and consultation to management at all levels of the organization for more markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge, identifying, defining, and resolving issues associated with complex aspects of the collected data; Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses. Analyzes emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods and testing.
GS-12 CLS -Laboratory Information Manager: In addition to meeting the experience for the GS-12 level, your experience must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
(1) Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems.
(2) Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization.
(3) Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system.
(4) Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions.
(5) Ability to adapt, implement, and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software.
(6) Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments.
Assignments. The CLS develops and recommends new policies and procedures regarding installing and using the laboratory information system (LIS) in conjunction with the overall hospital information system (HIS). This individual provides authoritative advice and consultation on the information system as it applies to the clinical laboratory. The CLS advises all organizational levels on the functions and capabilities of the LIS. The individual implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording while considering compliance principles. The CLS analyzes emerging trends, software, and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals. The CLS serves as the local expert for national software developers who test and validate software packages. They are responsible for compliance with regulatory agency requirements related to information systems and perform audits as needed. The CLS consults with and trains personnel on computer functions, including ordering options, and is responsible for maintaining computer security keys.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements:
Physical Demands: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting of 15-50 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. Specific visual requirements include vision for both eyes, depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, and the ability to read ordinary type without strain. The incumbent must have adequate hearing (aids permitted), and the emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations.