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

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. (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).

Grade Determinations

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager),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 GS12.

Physical Requirements

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include but are not limited to: Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording systems. Analyzes emerging trends, software, and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals.

Serves as a recognized expert to provide authoritative advice and consultation on the information system and serves as the local expert for national software developers for alpha or beta testing of software packages. Implements new patches or changes in instrumentation in a timely manner and tests thoroughly to detect problems in ordering, accessioning, or resulting laboratory tests.

Detects, promptly addresses, and resolves disruptions in the laboratory service stemming from the software package, instrument interfaces, or middleware. Serves as the principle contact for all laboratory interactions with the facility Office of Information Technology department and Clinical Applications Coordinators.

Implements back-up systems during periods of computer downtime, including an efficient manual system for results reporting and timely retrospective order entry and results reporting in the LIS, so as not to jeopardize the integrity of cumulative laboratory patient results reports. Maintains applicable LIS documentation in accordance with VHA Directive 1106 and all accrediting agencies. Responsible for the development, deployment, and maintenance of Instrument- Manager-based decision support algorithms (rules).

Provides technical, analytical, and automated data processing support to the laboratory. Communicates with national or VISN groups working on laboratory information systems to stay abreast of upcoming changes, improvements and problems. Participates in laboratory information management procedures and practices to determine how effectively current goals are being met and how services could be improved through changes in automation or information systems.

Represents the laboratory on several committees and meetings related to ADPAC responsibilities and maintains current enrollment in the ADPAC national and local mail groups. Provides consultation and training of personnel on computer functions, including ordering options, and responsible for the maintenance of computer security keys.

Provides effective and professional training to newly hired clinical staff, students, and other clinical staff on the theoretical and practical aspects of clinical laboratory specialties, especially as relates to reporting and computer use. 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. Ensures corrective action is initiated when test performance deviates from established performance specifications or nonconforming events. Develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials and other program materials, which ensure accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies concerning patient testing and result reporting.

Develops and recommends new policies and procedures regarding the installation and use of the laboratory information system or the hospital information system. Assists in the preparation for regulatory inspections by reviewing and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and participates in the inspection of inhouse and external facilities as required. Promptly reports all variances, incidents, and/or deviations from policy as required and in accordance with policies and procedures.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility.

Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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) 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: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01010F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized