The Robert J. Dole VAMC is seeking a Clinical Lab Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator) to serve in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)
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: MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. Certification: Candidates must have either (1) or (2) 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. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. 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). GS-12 Grade Determinations: One-year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized Experiences includes: Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains ancillary testing equipment. Verifies correct operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs/corrections. Manages the proficiency testing program for the ancillary testing specialty for all sites. Maintains records for proficiency testing according to established laboratory standards. Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system. Advanced knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, medicolegal requirements and pertinent statistics sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight and guidance for testing programs outside of the laboratory. Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement. Knowledge of Federal, state, and VHA laws, regulations, reference standards, and certifying or accrediting agency requirements to carry out work in each ancillary testing site. Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity. Skill in applying new scientific/technological developments and theories to laboratory testing. Ability to evaluate, interpret, and teach others to use quality control procedures and implement corrective actions Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as long periods of standing, bending over microscope, reaching for supplies or material, and lifting moderately heavy items such as centrifuges and record boxes (or occasionally lifting heavier items such as reagent packs). The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as dexterity (to perform intricate collection or analysis procedures) and color vision.
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) develops and recommends policies and procedures for procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing (testing outside the physical confines of the main laboratory) as mandated by VHA that include ensuring CLIA licenses are maintained for off-site facilities such a Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The CLS consults with leadership of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs, analyzes emerging trends and technology, and adopts appropriate methods. The CLS serves as a recognized technical expert to provide authoritative advice, training, troubleshooting, quality assessment and ancillary testing program consultation. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Develop and recommends policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary or point of care testing (POC) (testing outside the main laboratory as mandated by VA Directive 1106) equipment and instrumentation. Ensure appropriate correlation among different POC instrumentation methodologies and primary laboratory testing methodologies (waived and non-waived). Serve as the liaison between administration, clinical staff, and technical staff regarding the clinical, business, technical operations management processes associated with ancillary testing. Works closely with Laboratory Quality Manager and the Quality Management Service preparing reports, records and administrative information for participation in regulatory inspections to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements for various agencies, such as Joint Commission (JC), OIG, and College of American Pathologists (CAP). Coordinates and facilitates installation, implementation, maintenance, and overall use of POC instruments/methods throughout the medical center and CBOCs. Perform validation/method verification studies for new systems recognizing methodology limitations such as linearity, interference, sensitivity, and specificity. Possesses knowledge of the mathematical and statistical tools required to evaluate these aspects. Provides effective and professional training to newly hired clinical staff, students, and other clinical staff on the theoretical and practical aspects of clinical laboratory specialties and in unique handling of specimens and testing procedures. Stays abreast of new developments and changes in the profession. Responsible for periodic competency assessment of a variety of individuals (physicians, residents, nurses, aides, patients). Evaluates ancillary testing activities to assess ongoing day to day compliance with established procedures and guidelines. Recommends policy changes to correct deficiencies and improve the program. Creates, revises, and/or maintains ancillary testing procedures throughout the medical centers and CBOCs. Work Schedule: M-F 6:30am-5pm Telework: Not available Travel: 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required