Duties
General Description:
This is considered FPL for a CLS. A CLS at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. Incumbent may be assigned to any division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Performs a full range of laboratory procedures in the areas of chemistry, urinalysis, hematology, coagulation, Microbiology/Molecular, serology and/or immunochemistry with minimal oversight. These procedures include but are not limited to evaluate QC and calibration files, therapeutic drug monitoring, CBC's and manual differentials, and PCR testing. Incumbent may serve as an analyzer key operator, Laboratory Safety/Biosafety officer, or be assigned functions of the quality management program. Performs specimen collection and processing procedures in the absence of appropriate staffing.
Functions:
a) Schedules and prioritizes laboratory testing to meet provider demands as well as to accommodate the urgent testing needs of the General Medicine/Urgent Care departments.
b) Evaluates requested procedures to determine the suitability of specimen for analysis, requesting new patient specimens as necessary if the original is determined unsatisfactory.
c) Prepares reagents and primary reference materials.
d) Updates and evaluates the performance of reference materials prior to patient testing.
e) Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of non-routine and specialized test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.
f) Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains single and multi-channel laboratory analyzers.
g) Updates, evaluates, and performs quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products, and maintains proper records for quality control reports.
h) Evaluates and recommends new tests to be incorporated into the laboratory testing menu.
i) Confer with the appropriate laboratory management to determine requirements for non-standard tests. Determines the validity of test results and the variations/dilutions required to acquire a satisfactory test result determination, unless outlined in laboratory procedures.
j) Instructs providers, residents, nursing staff and others in laboratory specimen requirements for specific laboratory tests.
k) Works as a senior member of the laboratory testing team, assessing test result in relation to patient medical condition.
i) Practices laboratory safety in order to reduce contamination and infection to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of personal protective equipment. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the medical center, laboratory services and participate in safety assurance activities as directed. This includes following all policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental regulations & requirements being a good steward of the environment through pollution prevention, waste minimization and resource conservation.
m) Maintains records and files of tests performed on patients.
n) Properly identifies patient specimen through the use of two patient identifier requirements. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient tests does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient specimen and the request are identical. When collecting biological samples, the technologist must ask each patient to verbally confirm his or her name and date of birth or DOD ID numbers.
o) Responsible for the inventory and stocking of all laboratory supplies and reagents.
p) Must have the skills necessary to operate highly sophisticated computer controlled multi-channel analyzers.
q) Must be able to do basic trouble shooting of laboratory analyzers including interacting with vendor technical staff in person or by telephone.
r) Must have computer skills required to look up, accession, test and verify results in the laboratory LIS program.
s) Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the service chief or delegated technologist.
t) Consults with clinicians or reviews patient clinical history in LIS. Compares test results from other sections of the lab to support observations. Refers cases to Pathologist or Service Chief for critical review as appropriate.
u) Must use critical judgment in the evaluation of test discrepancies, taking appropriate action as detailed in test protocols.
v) Conducts training and instruction for new employees and students.
Work Schedule: 0830-1700
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V20CompensationTeam@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available
Requirements
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 identification 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. 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.
- Certification. (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).
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.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07.
(1) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
(2) Assignment. Employee at this level serves in a CLS entry-level position. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require daily direct supervision.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist,GS-09.
(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. OR
(b) Education. Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.
(2) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.
(b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.
(c) Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.
(d) Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.
(e) Ability to read and interpret written instructions.
(f) Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.
(3) Assignment. An individual at this grade level serves as a developmental CLS. The CLS is responsible for evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating the accuracy and validity of test results. The CLS demonstrates a clear progression of clinical knowledge and experience by performing testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods. This includes routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation, and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solving. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to more experienced staff for a decision or assistance. Assignments at this level will include developmental duties of increasing scope and diversity as compared to the entry level. It is expected that a CLS at this grade performs more complex work while receiving less frequent supervision than at the entry level.
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.
(2) 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.
(3) Assignment. This is considered FPL for a CLS. 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 work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods. In addition to routine testing, the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests. Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program. This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing. These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The CLS assesses a situation, considers the options, and formulates an appropriate course of action. This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures, collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and providing education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional, courteous, and effective manner.
Preferred Experience: Minimum three years of experience as a Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist, with experience in Lead and key operator roles preferred. Experience with Word, Excel and Adobe. High-Level critical thinking experience. Years of experience in the field. Level of leadership roles. Understanding of TJC and NEO standards.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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