Summary

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.

Qualifications

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
• Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
• Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11
• Experience
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• OR 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts - and theories that support sound - independent work
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
• Skill in informatics - laboratory data flow - and laboratory processes
• Ability to maintain - troubleshoot - and repair instrumentation
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
• Ability to read - interpret - and apply complex written instructions
• Ability to communicate - consult - and interact with other members of the health care team - external relations - customer service - and patient education
• 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-11
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• VA Careers - Clinical Laboratory Scientist: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELo Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Clinical Laboratory Scientist: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technologist-Career-Flyer.pdf Duties: Responsible for performing the pre-analytical - analytical - and post-analytical phases of clinical laboratory testing
• The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines including Hematology - Coagulation - Chemistry - Toxicology - Urinalysis - Immunohematology (Blood Bank) - Microbiology - Immunology - Virology - Cytopathology - Anatomic Pathology - and Molecular Diagnostics
• All functions are carried out with immediate or general supervision
• Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Performs collection of diagnostic samples to include venipuncture
• Evaluates and solves problems related to the collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis - considering physiologic processes and requirements
• Performs quality control and assurance activities and documents corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment - including identifying malfunctions and performing repairs and preventive maintenance
• Ability to diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction
• Identifies discrepancies - solves problems - and presents solutions
• Answers inquiries regarding test results - methodology - test specificity - test sensitivity - and specific factors that influence test results
• Interprets test results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures
• Assists with evaluating and implementing new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment - method comparison - and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge
• Interprets findings and makes recommendations
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace with immediate or general supervision
• Assists in the instruction and training of new employees and students
• Participates in education for laboratory professionals
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines with minimal assistance
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member - giving direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing
• Work Schedule: 8AM - 4:30PM
• 4PM - 12Mid - 12Mid - 8AM - Rotating weekends and Holidays EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact vhavisn04hredrp@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 #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized