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. Responsibilities 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 The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) will serve as a Technical Specialist for the Ancillary Testing Coordinator (ATC) and a backup for the Quality Management Performance Improvement (QMPI) for the Miami VA Healthcare System Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) which is a large diversified clinical and anatomical pathology laboratory. The CLS maintains all certifications required of a clinical laboratory scientist. Applies knowledge of compliance requirements for laboratory functions. In addition to the required core competencies, must demonstrate the following. This Technical Specialist will serve as the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service Safety Officer. As such, must have knowledge of federal, VHA, and accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements and procedures to accommodate resource allocation decisions made at the executive level. The CLS Laboratory Safety Officer will be able to cross train and maintain competency in other areas of the laboratory to cover as need be. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. Safety Develops and recommends safety policy and procedures applicable to the laboratory. Responsible for the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) that defines the safety procedures for all hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory. Follows OSHA regulations to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals are evaluated, and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. Develops and review infections control policies and procedures (VA policies and OSHA Standard on occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens) Instructs personnel in the proper use of personal protective clothing/equipment (e.g., gloves, gowns, masks, eye protectors, etc.). B. Ancillary Testing Coordinator (ACT) Assistant Under direction from the Ancillary Testing Coordinator (ATC), the Technical Specialist serves as an assistant to perform ancillary testing oversight duties that comply with the policies, procedures, and accreditation documentation and monitoring requirements of the Ancillary Testing Quality Management Program. The Technical Specialist works with the ATC in assuring that all the ancillary testing sites meet the standards for accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and The Joint Commission. The Technical Specialist assesses data and data collection procedures, identifies quality monitors and indicators, and reviews all data analyzed with the ATC. The Technical Specialist monitors the collection and preparation of biological specimens for the various procedures performed in the ancillary testing sites and the suitability of the specimen @type for analysis on the instruments in the ancillary testing sites. Under the direction of the ATC, the Technical Specialist documents the training, authorization, and annual competency evaluation of all healthcare personnel who perform ancillary testing. C. Quality Management Process Improvement (QMPI) Assistant Under the direction of QMPI clinical laboratory scientist, gathers analytical data with analysis to comply with all hospital accreditation agencies. Serves as backup for the Service Recall Coordinator (SRC) for P&LMS. Receives recalls, alerts and advisory notifications/emails, replies, records notification and action send them to respective supervisor to be timely addressed. Be able to investigate any Joint Patient Safety Record (JPSR) and answer facilities Quality, Safety and Value Service on a timely manner. Reviews monthly Quality Control summary reports and [resents it to the Chief of P&LMS to detect possible shifts or trends of QC results and equipment failure. Initiates corrective action as needed. Calibrates and keeps records of all the thermometers used in the Laboratory and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC's). Verify reference stopwatch on a monthly basis Performs other related duties as assigned by the Laboratory Manager or Chief, P&LMS. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4pm Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD31856F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V8EDRPMiami@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Education -Transcripts Submitted: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification-Documentation Supplied - 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. 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. 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). REFERENCE: Clinical Laboratory Scientist Qualification Standard - GS-0644 Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11: (1) Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: (a) Experience- (SF-50 Submitted- if applicable). 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR (b) Education-Transcript Supplied. 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: 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. (3) Assignment. This is considered FPL for a CLS. A 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. The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods. In addition to routine testing, the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. 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: Prior Safety Officer and Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Medical Technologist) Experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Clinical Laboratory Scientist Qualification Standard - GS-0644 The full performance level of this vacancy is 11 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 45 lbs, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands (grasping), walking, frequent standing (i.e. up to 4 hours), kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs and repetitive motion. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear high cognitive functional and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary @type without strain. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
