Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager)

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

To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f) 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 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: 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 Grandfathering Provision: 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).

Employees in VHA in the occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply.

Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or be changed to a lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions. If an assignment above the FPL requires an additional certification over and above the basic requirements, employees must meet the assignment-specific requirement before they can be promoted.

Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees retained in this occupation under this provision who subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.

Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

NOTE: This provision is not intended to regularize appointments/placements 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.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical Specialist), GS-12.

Experience

1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (A) Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems. (B) Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization. (C) Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system. (D) Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions. (E) Ability to adapt, implement and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software. (F) Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments.

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.

Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager) serves in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at VA Palo Alto Health Care System. The incumbent provides authoritative advice and consultation on laboratory information systems (LIS) and their integration with the hospital information system (HIS).

The incumbent develops policies and procedures, implements laboratory software and interfaces, maintains system functionality, and supports regulatory compliance, data security, and accurate laboratory operations. The incumbent independently plans and carries out assignments under the general direction of the Laboratory Manager and collaborates with laboratory supervisors, clinical pathologists, and other members of the laboratory management team.

Duties/Tasks include, but are not limited to, the following: - Develops and recommends policies and procedures for the installation and use of the LIS in conjunction with the HIS, including Laboratory Electronic Data Interchange (LEDI) interfaces with reference laboratories and other VA facilities and laboratory label printers. - Provides authoritative advice and consultation to organizational levels on the functions, capabilities, and use of laboratory computer information systems. - Analyzes emerging trends, software, and technology; implements new computer technology, programs, and patches to meet agency requirements and local program needs. - Serves as the local expert for national software developers in testing and validating laboratory software packages. - Establishes and maintains laboratory computer test files for all sections of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service and trains staff in their use. - Assesses and implements interface connectivity to support accurate, automated transmission of laboratory data. - Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording, considering applicable compliance principles. - Maintains laboratory computer operations, written procedures, and documentation in accordance with accreditation and regulatory requirements; performs information-system audits as needed. - Performs day-to-day laboratory computer operations, troubleshoots computer problems and variances, and resolves errors in accordance with established protocols or accepted laboratory practice. - Coordinates with Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) Clinical Applications Coordinators to address Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) laboratory needs and issues. - Provides consultation and training to personnel on computer functions, including laboratory ordering options, and maintains computer security keys. - Protects sensitive printed and electronic information from unauthorized access, release, loss, alteration, or deletion; follows data security procedures and provides staff training. - Independently plans and organizes work, establishes priorities, and collaborates with laboratory personnel and management to support accurate and efficient patient testing services. - Communicates courteously and respectfully with patients, staff, and other customers; provides consistent information and resolves problems constructively.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00-4:30 Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], 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 #: 10449F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized