Summary The Veterans Administration Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, Harlingen, TX is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator), Pathology and Laboratory Service to perform key duties in clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Responsibilities The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator) will perform clinical laboratory procedures to include a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs a broad range of laboratory procedures to include pre-analytic, analytic, and post analytic processes with minimal technical supervision. Utilizes known statistics and good quality practice applied to laboratory functions. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, phlebotomy, CLIA non waived testing including but not exclusively to: hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, toxicology, urinalysis, referral laboratory, microbiology, and specimen processing. Recognizes data with life-threatening (critical) and urgent implications and understands the importance of quickly bringing the data to the attention of the patients' physician and/or nursing staff. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering 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. Recognizes and diagnosis deviation in the pre-analytical, analytical, and post analytical process for test and instrument performance and analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Performs and documents quality control and 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 workplace. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents 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 and implements 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. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in- service/continuing education program. Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator) 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 VHA that include ensuring CLIA licenses are maintained for off-site facilities such as Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The Clinical Laboratory Scientist serves as a recognized technical expert to provide authoritative advice, training, troubleshooting, quality assessment and ancillary testing program consultation. Operates a government vehicle. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@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: This position is not eligible for Telework. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55611F 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must have a current valid State Driver's license, and safe driving record. 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 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. 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 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, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer). 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: (1) 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 (2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination. NOTE: Possession of a certification identified above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed. Driver's License Requirement: Applicant's must have a current valid State Driver's license for this position. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, you must meet the following: Experience: Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) which is directly related to the position to be filled. This is required for all GS-12 assignments. Examples of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11) includes: Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements; Performs a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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 correct actions. Preferred Experience: 5+ years of general laboratory and phlebotomy experience as a Medical Technologist. Experience with wide variety of clinical laboratory equipment such as Chemistry/Immunoassay (i.e., Roche Cobas), Hematology/ Coagulation (i.e., Sysmex XN series, Werfen ACL TOP), Molecular Testing (i.e, GeneXpert), Elisa Testing (i.e, Diasorn) , and Urinalysis (i.e, Beckman DxU Iris). Skilled in informatics (i.e., CPRS/VISTa), laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. Comprehensive knowledge of professional clinical laboratory principles, practices, concepts, and theories with the ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. Physical Requirements: This position will require light lifting (under 15 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), use of fingers, both hands required, walking (3 hours), standing (4 hours), and repeated bending (2 hours). The Clinical Leader must be mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities, based on patient needs. The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles. 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-12. 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/. MPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for 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. 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.
