Summary Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator) position is located at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, 5000 S 5th Avenue, Hines, IL 60141. Responsibilities This position serves as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) - Ancillary Testing Coordinator for the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) which develops and recommends policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing (testing outside the physical confines of the laboratory) as mandated by VHA that includes ensuring CLIA licenses are maintained in off-site facilities such as Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The ATC manages and coordinates a program for the facility and associated CBOCs involving testing performed at the point of care. The ATC consults with program managers or equivalent of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods. Must have knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements. Duties include, but not limited to: Develops and recommends policy and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary or point-of-care testing (Testing outside the main laboratory as mandated by Handbook 1 106.1) 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) 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 complex aspects of the data and ensures the validity of data in relation to the test systems. Consults with program managers or equivalent of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods. Works collaboratively with many staff from other disciplines and various levels of education. Educates staff outside of the laboratory on the testing system, maintains competency records and performs competency assessment as required by Federal Regulations. Identifies, defines, and resolves problems associated with unique or controversial aspects of the ancillary testing management program where no direct precedent exists. Evaluates instruments, performs validation studies, recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies, and improve the program. Coordinates inventory management, supply acquisition and contracts. May serve as a COR-II and collaboratively work with the Great Lakes Acquisition Center to provide essential acquisition planning documents and maintenance of a contract post-award. 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. Maintains knowledge of and complies with CAP and Joint Commission regulations. Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988. Assumes responsibility for the instruction and coordination of teaching activities for Medical Technology students to fulfill the requirements of a NAACLS accredited CLS Program. Work Schedule: Fulltime; Monday - Friday; 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 06379F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Education (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED): 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. (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. Grade Determinations: Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments. Your experience must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): (a) Knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight and guidance for testing programs outside of the laboratory. (b) Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement. (c) 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. (d) Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity. (e) Skill in applying new scientific/technological developments and theories to laboratory testing. (f) Ability to evaluate, interpret, and teach others to use quality control procedures and implement corrective actions Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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 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. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. 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.
