Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens - First Consideration will be given to Current Permanent Employees of the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS), followed by Agency Employees, HPTs, Federal Employees, and all US Citizens. NOTE: This position is excluded from Veterans Preference. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

The Orlando VA Healthcare System is looking for an experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) to join their Hematology Section at the main Hospital Medical Center Facility.

The CLSs at Full Performance Level (FPL) works independently on any assigned tour of duty. A CLS at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements.

The incumbent is a qualified, experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) who performs waived and nonwaived testing on a variety of clinical biological specimens using manual or automated techniques. The incumbent is responsible for the pre-analytical, analytical, and post­analytical specimen testing phases of a complexity index group 1 a laboratory at the Orlando VA Healthcare System (HCS).

Duties include but not limited to:

• Has knowledge of and ability to collect samples appropriate for the tests requested by the physician using the correct preservatives, anticoagulants, collection intervals and/or times, and patient condition(s) by following approved policy and procedure. The CLS may perform venipunctures, or capillary punctures, or may assist in bone marrow or other specimen collections.
• Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. Assigns priority to test requests and executes them expeditiously for use in critical care situations.
• Perform specimen processing, aliquoting, preservation, and receiving specimens delivered to the main laboratory collected in-house (inpatient/outpatient), or collected at the OPCs and CBOC's, ensuring patient identification is verified and maintained.
• Assist in reference testing (send out), lab specimen collections/receiving, laboratory specimen preservation, processing, and submit and ship specimens to approved reference laboratory and report reference laboratories, as assigned or when required.
• The CLS is primary operator of multiple test systems.
• Assist the section's Lead CLS and/or Supervisory CLS in new test systems validations/verifications, method correlations, linearities/AMR verifications, establishment of normal reference ranges, among other studies as mandated by accrediting agencies.
• Performs a broad range advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.
• Performs steps of analysis for a full range of standard, routine, and specialized tests; selects appropriate method/instrument; performs instrument maintenance and performance checks; prepares reagents/media; calibrates or verifies calibration of the assay; performs analysis and calculates results, if applicable, for control and unknown samples.
• Performs quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Document corrective actions related to test performance. Adheres to established approved quality control procedures as mandated by accrediting agencies and as outlined in the appropriate procedure manual(s) for the assigned laboratory specialty.
• Reviews completed work for clerical errors and unusual or unlikely results; checks possible sources of analytical error and related lab data or other information and determines the course of action to be taken to verify results.
• Investigates problems/incompatibilities to determine the appropriate solution and escalate issues to the section's CLS Lead/Supervisor or Section Laboratory Director, as required.
• Evaluates the validity of data results in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures. Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4pm, with rotating weekend and holidays. Extended hours based on service/facility needs.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:82378F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact V8_EDRP_Orlando@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education-Transcript Submitted. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification-Documentation Submitted

(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. 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).

• English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

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:

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11.

(1) Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:
(a) Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR
(b) Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.
(b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.
(c) Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.
(d) Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.
(e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.
(f) Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
(g) Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education

Preferred Experience
Two years previous generalist clinical laboratory experience, to include hematology, coagulation, body fluids, and urinalysis experience

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. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Area of Consideration. Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.

2. All other VA employees.

3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.

4. All other applicants.

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.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Generalist Certification, Categorical or Specialist certification given by the ASCP, BOC, BOR or AMT Board of Certification
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Transcript

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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)
• Full resume/CV without page limitation.
• Generalist Certification, Categorical or Specialist certification given by the ASCP, BOC, BOR or AMT Board of Certification
• PCS Orders
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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