The incumbent serves as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Ancillary Testing Coordinator within the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System. The Ancillary Testing Coordinator 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 includes ensuring CLIA licenses are maintained for off-site facilities.
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Total Rewards: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional 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. NOTE: The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director), GS-15, requires unique education requirements. Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT, OR, Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT, OR, 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). 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 (Ancillary Testing Coordinator), GS-12. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of 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. Preferred Experience: None. 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-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements, https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OCHCO/SitePages/D5019.aspx.
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. The CLS develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials, and other program materials. The CLS ensures accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies for patient testing, results reporting, and proficiency testing. They also monitor and report on continuous performance improvement initiatives. The CLS has knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements and performs and evaluates instruments, performs validation studies, recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies, and improves the program. The CLS develops and implements corrective action when deficiencies are identified and coordinates inventory management, supply acquisition, and contracts. Duties and tasks include but are not limited to the following: The incumbent evaluates ancillary testing activities to assess ongoing day-to-day compliance with established procedures, policies, and accreditation requirements about quality control, patient testing, results reporting, proficiency testing, quality assurance, correlations, and the validation process. The incumbent has knowledge of the mathematical and statistical tools required to evaluate these aspects. The incumbent demonstrates knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight, guidance, and consultation for testing programs outside of the physical confines of the laboratory. The incumbent provides support and acts as a liaison between the off-site locations and the main hospital laboratory. Providing the off-site specimen collection and processing areas with general information, training, site visit reviews, shipping and handling processes, and inventory. CLIA licenses are maintained in offsite outpatient clinics whose parent facility is the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System. The incumbent demonstrates knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement by utilizing these skills to perform full oversight, guidance, and consultation for testing programs outside of the physical confines of the laboratory. The incumbent utilizes 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 and ensures these regulations, standards and requirements are being satisfied. The incumbent consults with clinical program managers, providers, and service chiefs to identify ancillary testing needs and implement appropriate methods. The incumbent performs required method validation studies before implementing new ancillary testing test procedures and performs required semi-annual studies as deemed necessary by regulatory agencies such as CAP, VHA, and TJC. Work Schedule: 8:00AM - 4:30PM, Monday - Friday. Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need. Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 534-59301F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.