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Summary

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. The CLS develops - performs - evaluates - interprets - correlates - and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods.

Qualifications

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 in medical laboratory science - medical technology - clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g. - laboratory sciences such as chemistry - biochemistry - biology - microbiology - immunology - etc.) Certification
• (1) 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
• (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT
• NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held
• Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including - Ancillary Testing Coordinator - Education Coordinator - Laboratory Information Manager - Quality Manager - Laboratory Manager - Regional Technical Specialist - National Quality and Compliance Agent - Regional Program Manager - Regional Director - English Language Proficiency
• CLSs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11 (1) 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
• (2) 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 Assignment
• In addition - the CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states - determines the validity of test results - and the need for additional tests
• Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer - analyzer specialist - primary operator on new test systems - quality control specialist - supply control - and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program
• This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing
• These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility - including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision
• The CLS assesses a situation - considers the options - and formulates an appropriate course of action
• This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures - collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients - and providing education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional - courteous - and effective manner
• Preferred Experience: One or more years experience in core - microbiology - and blood bank preferred
• Former VA Handbook Reference: Part II - Appendix G24
• For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The Full Performance Level for this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry - microbiology - immunology - hematology - and immunohematology
• In addition to routine testing - the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting
• The duties and responsibilities of the CLS include but are not limited to the following: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures
• In addition - performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
• recognizes deviation from expected results
• analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
• Recognizes and communicates pre-defined critical results affecting patient care
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment
• Uses - calibrates - identifies malfunctions - repairs - and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction
• Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the the workplace
• Identifies discrepancies - solve problems - and suggests solutions
• Answers inquiries regarding test results - methodology - test specificity - test sensitivity - and specific factors - which influence test results
• Interprets results and suggests follow up test selection or procedures
• Evaluates an implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment - method comparison - and establishment of reference intervals
• Assists with instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program
• May be responsible for specific targeted laboratory projects including safety officer - analyzer specialist - primary operator on new test systems - quality control specialist - supply control - and coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program
• This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers - patients - and others)
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
• Work Schedule: 3:00 pm - 11:30 pm. - rotating weekends and holidays
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 593-07413F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized