Clarification from the agency

Area of Consideration: Open to Current, Permanent VISN 12 Path and Lab Employees. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) serves as the Laboratory Information Manager (LIM) and Automated Data Processing Applications Coordinator (ADPAC) for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PLM) at the medical center and associated community-based outpatient clinics. The LIM has responsibility for designing, reviewing and maintaining the laboratory information system and laboratory centric software to gather, record, process, analyze and report clinical data relating to all areas of the laboratory including microbiology, mycology, parasitology, infection control, chemistry, hematology, coagulation, molecular pathology, toxicology, serology/immunology, blood bank/transfusion medicine, cytology and anatomic pathology. The LIM is the recognized technical expert to provide authoritative advice and consultation on the laboratory information system
(LIS) as it applies to the clinical laboratory and advises all organizational levels on functions and capabilities of the LIS. The Laboratory Information Manager is responsible for the functionality and operations of the laboratory computer systems. Related duties include but may not been limited to establishment and maintenance of laboratory databases, system troubleshooting and quality assessment(s).

Major Duties:

• Develops and recommends new policies and procedures regarding installation and use of the laboratory information system (LIS) in conjunction with the overall hospital information system (HIS).
• Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording while considering compliance principles.
• Identifies problems in software packages as it applies to system functionality, analyzes problems and assists in the determination of the appropriate corrective action. Develops, implements, maintains and modifies various computer applications such as a downtime an contingency plan for both scheduled and emergency interruption of computer services, bidirectional and host query instrument interfaces, the Laboratory Electronic Data Interchange (LEDi) system, the Laboratory Management Index Program (LMIP) for workload reporting, preventive maintenance schedules and logs for computer hardware and quality assurance (QA) programs. Changes workload priorities as required to ensure the provision of uninterrupted computer services in an effective and efficient manner.
• Assists and directs 01& T in interfacing various laboratory instruments through the Universal Interface to provide a more rapid and reliable flow of patient results into the VistA(LIS) system.
• Implements and maintains the Laboratory Electronic Data Interchange (LEDi) software to ensure that the correct information is being electronically transmitted to and from the host and collection sites in the VISN.
• 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 testing and validating software packages. Works with national VA support staff and the medical center Office of Information and Technology (Ol&T) to install and implement software modifications and patches.
• Is responsible for compliance with regulatory agency requirements as related to information systems, and performs audits as needed.
• Consults with and trains personnel on computer functions, including ordering options. Develops and provides initial computer orientation and training of new laboratory employees at the appropriate level of knowledge and skill to meet users' position requirements.
• Serves as the PLM information security officer and provides guidance to resolve security issues. Trains all employees on the hospital, VISN and national computer security policies and procedures. Provides interpretation of existing hospital policies and procedures as they relate to the laboratory information system. Maintains computer security keys.
• Manages the collection and interpretation of data for hospital and VISN QA programs and Performance Improvement (Pl) initiatives and at the request of laboratory management.

Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday-Friday; 7:30AM-4:00PM
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:06387F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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:

• Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).
• Education (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED):
  • A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• 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

Grade Determinations:

• Experience:
  • In addition to meeting the basic requirements, 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.
• Your experience must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems.
  • Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization.
  • Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system.
  • Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions.
  • Ability to adapt, implement and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software.
  • Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments.

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).

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 12.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

How you will be evaluated

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
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• 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
• Other (1)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Next steps