This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
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. (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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, GS-11 Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: (a) Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR (b) Education. Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work. (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement. (c) Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes. (d) Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation. (e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. (f) Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions. (g) Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education. Preferred Experience: Prior work experience in a clinical laboratory setting, ideally in all major areas of the lab, including hematology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, and blood banking in a 24-hour facility. Experience in evening or night shifts is desired but not necessary. Candidate should be able to process laboratories independently with little to no management using strong analytical skills. Incumbent should have the ability to communicate effectively with internal staff and other external customers. 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. Physical Requirements: Work demands long hours standing and walking. Bending, twisting, and carrying light items is necessary to carry out duties.
Major duties include, but are not limited to: Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements. Performs testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods Performs quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation, to include troubleshooting. Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states to determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional or repeat testing. Monitors quality control systems and measures. Collaborates in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Interacts with laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional, courteous, and effective manner. Provides education, as needed. Assists with laboratory safety duties, analyzer oversight, quality control and quality assurance projects, supply/inventory control, completing laboratory competency assessments or proficiency/survey programs, as needed. Assists with lab information management or the ancillary testing program, as needed. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor Work Schedule: 11:00pm-7:30am - specific shift will be determined after selection Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:07482-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V21CCOEEDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized