Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Regional Technical Specialist)

Clarification from the agency

Open only to current, permanent, VHA employees. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

This announcement will close on 10/14/2026. The first 50 applications received will receive first consideration. Applications that are submitted after the initial cut-off number has been reached will not receive consideration unless otherwise requested by management.

Major Duties include but are not limited to:

• Serves as the national Laboratory Management Index Program (LMIP) Program Manager, providing program leadership, technical expertise, and oversight for laboratory workload management, coding, and reporting activities across VA.
• Maintains and manages national LMIP database tables, laboratory test codes, and related reference data, ensuring updates are accurate, timely, and aligned with national coding and terminology standards.
• Develops, implements, and maintains national policies, procedures, guidance, and reference materials for laboratory workload capture, coding, data integrity, productivity reporting, and program operations.
• Provides authoritative technical consultation and troubleshooting assistance to VA laboratories on LMIP coding and reporting, workload capture, pathology productivity, laboratory information systems, and related operational issues.
• Analyzes laboratory workload, coding, productivity, and program data to identify discrepancies, trends, and performance issues and develops recommendations and corrective actions to improve program effectiveness.
• Coordinates national laboratory coding and workload activities with VA laboratories, Managerial Cost Accounting (MCA), program offices, and external reporting entities to promote standardized, accurate, and compliant data collection and reporting.
• Serves as a subject-matter expert on laboratory workload capture, coding, data integrity, quality, accreditation, and management analysis, participating in national studies, program evaluations, and development of standards and procedures.
• Advises program leadership on emerging issues, policy concerns, operational risks, staffing, and resource requirements, developing action plans and recommendations to support national laboratory program objectives and mission requirements.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 08:00-04:30pm
Compressed/Flexible:Available
Telework: This position may be authorized for ad hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Ad hoc is defined as occasional, non-recurring telework.
Virtual: This position may be authorized for Virtual Work. Virtual Work eligibility is for current VA employees that are already subject to the return to in person work mandate in their current position.
Definition of Virtual Work: Employee works outside of original hiring duty station at a VA owned or leased space.
Return to Office (RTO): RTO mandates are in effect and selectees will be required to report to in-person work unless they are approved for an exception or an exemption. Any approval for an RTO exception, exemption, or extension will happen after a tentative job offer, but before a final job offer.
Functional Statement #: 73572-0
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.
• 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.
• 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 may 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.
• Certification: Candidates must meet one of the 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.
• 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 (Regional Technical Specialist) GS-13

Experience- One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-13 assignments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- In addition to the requirements above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(A) Knowledge of regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, 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 compliance requirements sufficient to provide direction for complex diagnostic testing.
(C) Knowledge of laboratory information systems to accomplish diagnostic laboratory work and quality assurance.
(D) Skill in evaluating, interpreting, and teaching others to use quality control procedures to monitor variables that affect quality of services and implement corrective actions.
(E) Ability to apply laws, policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing.
(F) Ability to develop new test procedures and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations.

Assignment- The CLS serves as a recognized expert and provides consultative services to management at all levels of the organization advising on various aspects of specialized testing, coordinating VISN or multi-facility specialized services including, but not limited to, quality management or laboratory information management (this list is not all-inclusive). The CLS develops new policies and procedures, conducts studies, recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area, and creates and applies re-engineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives. The CLS analyzes emerging trends, technology, and adopts appropriate methods. The CLS identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique/controversial aspects of testing where no direct precedent exists.

Preferred Experience: Experience managing laboratory workload programs such as the Laboratory Management Index Program (LMIP); applying advanced knowledge of clinical laboratory operations, regulatory requirements, and laboratory governance; and performing complex laboratory coding and mapping using CPT, LOINC, and National Laboratory Test Codes (NLT). Experience analyzing and troubleshooting workload, coding, data integrity, and productivity reporting; developing national policies, procedures, guidance, and training materials; coordinating with VA laboratories, VISNs, and national program offices; and analyzing laboratory data to support program and leadership decisions. Preferred candidates also possess experience with laboratory information and analytics systems, accreditation and regulatory requirements, program planning, and communicating complex technical information to diverse stakeholders and senior leadership.

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

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:

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

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
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Other (1)
• Professional Certification
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

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

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