Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator)

Full Job Description

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist 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 the VHA.

The CLS consults with leadership of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs, analyzes emerging trends and technology, and adopts appropriate methods.

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: 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 Submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.

Certification: Must possess one of the below certifications 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.

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(Ancillary Testing Coordinator) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience 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.

Preferred Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience as a bench technologist, demonstrating strong technical proficiency in routine and complex laboratory testing.

At least 2 years experience with advanced laboratory practices, including instrument validation, method comparison, and quality control oversight.

Foundational knowledge of point-of-care testing principles and familiarity with laboratory information systems.

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

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting/carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (up to 1/4 hour); pulling hand over hand (up to 1/4 hour); pushing (up to 1/4 hour); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking/standing (4-8 hours); repeated bending (2-4 hours); near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/40 and 20/50 in other eye; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted).

Major Duties:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties: Develops and recommends policy and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary or point-of-care testing equipment and instrumentation.

Ensure the appropriate correlation among different instrumentation and methodologies.

Trains and evaluates the competency of a variety of individuals (physicians, residents, nurses, patients) in the performance of ancillary testing procedures and in the reporting of test results promptly, accurately, and proficiently.

Serves as a recognized technical expert( technical consultant or technical supervisor as mandated by CLIA) to provide authoritative advice and ancillary testing program consultation in areas of quality control/assurance, records control, proficiency testing, inspection, and accreditation to all levels of the organization.

Evaluates ancillary testing activities to assess ongoing day-to-day compliance with established protocols and guidelines.

Recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies and improve the program.

Creates, applies, and monitors reengineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives, both within the program and/or the organization.

Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with unique or controversial aspects of the ancillary testing management program where no direct precedent exists.

Consults with program managers or equivalent of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology adopts appropriate methods.

Develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials and other program materials, which ensure accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies concerning patient testing, result reporting, and proficiency testing.

Develops and implements corrective action when deficiencies are identified. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full Time, 8:00am to 4:30pm days may change to reflect the needs of the service. 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 #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.