Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Quality Manager) Job in Castle Point, NY

Vacancy No. CBTE-12723762-25-SC Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $144,129.00 to $187,376.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/14/2025 Close Date 4/28/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Castle Point, NY


Summary

The incumbent serves as a qualified and experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientist, functioning as the Quality Manager for all areas in the laboratory including Blood Bank, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Special Chemistry, Coagulation, Hematology, and Microbiology for both Castle Point and Montrose Campuses in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Section (PLMS) of the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare Systems (VAHVHCS).

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent employees of the Hudson Valley VAMC

Duties

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Responsible for designing, establishing, maintaining, evaluating, and reporting of a comprehensive Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement program for the VAHVHCS Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service Line (PLMS), which meets the requirements of the Joint Commission, AABB, FDA, VHA and the VISN 2 Quality Program.
  • This includes integration of any individual laboratory section plans into an interrelated and integrated QCQI plan for VAHVHCS.
  • Represents PLMS Management on all Clinical Laboratory issues pertaining to education and quality improvement during accrediting agency, federal, state, and VHA inspections.
  • Coordinates and assists staff members with all responses to deficiencies cited by accreditation organizations (Joint Commission, AABB, FDA), state, federal and VHA. Responds to all quality management deficiencies cited by accreditation organizations and VHA.
  • The purpose of the position is to design, maintain and evaluate quality management and improvement systems that assure the medical reliability and timeliness of laboratory data in accordance with clinical, accrediting, and regulatory agency requirements.
  • Provides oversight, guidance, and advice in the development of required Quality Assurance monitors and focused reviews.
  • The QC Coordinator uses judgment in selecting, interpreting and adapting guidelines to establish systems that meet all requirements for quality, reliability, and compliance with accreditation requirements for quality in planning, developing, and implementing a quality control/quality improvement program.
  • The incumbent serves as an authority to PLMS to assure compliance with inspection and accreditation requirements and regulations. Provides guidance and serves as an authority on accreditation regulations.
  • The QC Coordinator must consider many factors or variables that may affect both the complex multi-divisional facility. These factors include the clinical and economic relevance of the issue, the feasibility of monitoring in terms of statistical considerations and the labor required, and the likelihood of detecting significant quality problems.
  • He/she must also consider the possibility of effecting corrective action in response to identified problems. The work has a significant impact on the adequacy of patient care delivery systems, data management, accuracy and timeliness of testing, and quality of services to patients and providers. The work also impacts accreditation of the laboratory by many regulatory agencies, including VHA, Joint Commission, AABB, and FDA. The work also has an economic impact as it promotes efficient utilization of laboratory resources and services.
Performs duties as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist
  • Conducts desk audits or site visits, when appropriate, to assess compliance with VHA regulations, accreditation agency regulations, and PLMS policy/procedures.
  • Maintains membership on hospital and Network committees as appropriate, Patient Safety, Quality Management. Serves as PLMS liaison on these committees.
  • Utilize knowledge of mathematics Performs statistical analysis (Variations, Standard Deviation, trend analysis) on Quality Control assurance data collected to identify, document, and take corrective action on out-of-control test results as appropriate.
  • Conducts regular Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement meetings and collates monthly data, looking for trends.
  • Maintains the CAP Proficiency Testing program for PLM&S. Ensures that all Proficiency Exams are logged and tracked in the system.
  • Monitors proficiency testing results for all Laboratory Sections as required by accrediting agencies.
  • Provides guidance and advice to PLMS Section Supervisors on the development of required Quality Assurance monitors and focused reviews.
  • Provides consultative services for laboratory related root cause analysis, healthcare failure mode effect analysis and sentinel events.
  • Coordinates PLMS response to FDA product recalls. Serves as VAHVHCS Laboratory representative for lab related FDA recalls.
  • Provides guidance and advice to PLMS Staff on the development of staff competencies. Initiates annual review of staff competency documents by the Supervisors, Technical Directors and Quality Manager.
Benchwork
  • The incumbent is expected to work as a clinical laboratory scientist on the bench for about 70% of the time. However, this may change based on the facility needs.
  • The incumbent may be asked to cover weekend and holidays encompassing two campuses and 7 CBOC's in the Hudson Valley Healthcare System. Performs laboratory testing as assigned.
  • Performs phlebotomy and specimen processing as assigned.
Work Schedule: Days 7:30am-4:00pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 12426-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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

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.
  • 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. 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: (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 below 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).
  • Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
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 above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements.

GS-12 Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Quality Manager)
Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments.
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: :
(A) Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of medical technology sufficient to perform the full range of duties involved in planning, coordinating, and evaluating laboratory services.
(B) Knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements pertaining to laboratory operations.
(C) Knowledge of laboratory operations and relationships to the organization.
(D) Skill in applying laboratory quality control/assurance policies, procedures, and principles and safety practices and regulations.
(E) Ability to apply quality management performance improvement principles, methodology, and processes to develop and manage a clinical laboratory quality management program.
(F) Ability to apply statistical evaluation and analysis to quality assurance data and implement corrective actions when indicated.
Assignment. The CLS serves as a Technical Specialist CLS, providing expert authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique and/or emerging tests that require special knowledge. Examples include, but are not limited to, molecular pathology, gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, and flow cytometry. The CLS advises all organizational levels on various aspects of specialized testing, including appropriateness that takes into consideration clinical context. The CLS advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses and analyzes emerging trends and technology to adopt appropriate methods and testing. The CLS develops policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing. The CLS assumes responsibility for training and competency assessment of staff and students within the area assigned. The technical specialist often works independently and is given freedom of action under the general guidance of a pathologist or other laboratory practitioner

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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12.

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

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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 or 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.

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.

Required Documents

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

  • Resume


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 (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • 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.
  • PCS Orders
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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

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 04/28/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12723762.

  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.

Agency contact information

Sarah Cassidy
Address
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Hospital
2094 Albany Post Road
Montrose, NY 10548
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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