Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager) Job in Oklahoma City, OK

Vacancy No. CBSU-12700636-25-TDG Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $104,770.00 to $136,206.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/24/2025 Close Date 3/5/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Oklahoma City, OK


Summary

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) is a certified laboratory professional who performs complex laboratory diagnostic testing on human specimens for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease in clinical laboratory specialties including, but not limited to, Hematology, Chemistry, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), Microbiology, Immunology, Cytogenetics, Anatomic Pathology, Electron Microscopy, Molecular Diagnostics, and Flow Cytometry.




This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent VA employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies, and current/past/upcoming VHA Health Professions Trainee (HPT) Graduates. Veterans' Preference does not apply.

Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

  • Required to know all concepts, principles, and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems.
  • Required to know all laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization.
  • Required to know all laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system.
  • Required to know all compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions. Adapts, implements and integrates the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software.
  • Independently plans, organizes, sets priorities, works as a team member, and effectively completes assignments.
The duties and responsibilities of the SCLS-LIM include but are not limited to the following:
  • Develops, recommends, and writes new policies and procedures regarding the installation and use of the laboratory information system (LIS) or the hospital information system (HIS).
  • Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording systems.
  • Analyzes emerging trends, software, and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals.
  • Advise all organizational levels on various aspects of the functions and capabilities of the information system.
  • Serves as a CLS with responsibility for performing procedures in the areas of chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), serology; microbiology, flow cytometry, molecular pathology and/or and specimen procurement and processing.
  • Serves as a backup PIV/ePAS coordinator for P&LMS.
  • Serves as a recognized expert to provide authoritative advice and consultation on the information system. Monitors computer resources and makes recommendations to higher level authorities regarding allocation or future software and hardware needs.
  • Serves as the local expert for national software developers for alpha or beta testing of software packages.
  • Maintains competency as a backup operator for P&LMS Document Control System, Dragon, Temp Traks temperature monitoring system.
  • Carries out day-to-day operations related to laboratory computer use. 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 on computer usage and software programs.
  • Designs and maintains databases used for data gathering for department and interdepartmental use.
  • Establish baseline measures (data collection, analysis, reporting) through standardized methodologies pre-and post-implementation. Submit reports as requested.
  • Collaborate, coordinate, and work with supervisors or other designees in the sections to ensure the appropriate CPT codes and RVUs are appropriately assigned to the tests. As needed coordinate CPT, RVU reviews to ensure accuracy.
  • Perform initial and ongoing skill-gap analysis of users (hardware software); resolve identified user issues prior to implementation.
  • Maintains competencies in at least one clinical laboratory section to maintain clinical knowledge and support the laboratory leadership.
  • Complete requested reviews/audits within the time frame given. Performs other duties as assigned by the laboratory manager.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 606040

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • 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.
  • 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:
  • Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States.
  • Education. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
  • Certification. Candidates must meet one of the following certification options below.
    • Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
    • Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
    • Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
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).
  • Foreign Education. 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:
    • 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
    • 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.
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-12, Assignments
  • Experience. One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments.
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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 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.

Preferred Experience: MT (AAB) Generalist certification; 5-7 years of clinical laboratory experience.

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-12.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.

Additional information

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Required Documents

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

  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

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.

How to Apply

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 03/05/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12700636.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Agency contact information

VISN 19 HR Contact Center
Address
VA Oklahoma City Health Care System
921 Northeast 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
US

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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