Clinical Laboratory Scientist-EDRP Authorized

SummaryThis 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.DutiesHelpTotal Rewards of a Allied Health ProfessionalThe Clinical Laboratory Scientist evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and [or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques.The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as chemistry, coagulation, hematology, immunology, serology, and urinalysis. Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory and other healthcare professionals and others in the clinic center setting including the public.Duties outlined below are at the full performance level GS-11.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.The duties and responsibilities of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist includes but is not limited to thefollowing : Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiological state of the specimen properties is maintained.Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and / or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections.Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports.Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs.Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assayprocedures. Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) toverify results.Work Schedule : Monday to Friday 8 : 00am to 4 : 45pmRecruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus) : Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) : Not AuthorizedEDRP Authorized : Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact : the CCOE EDRP Group at : VISN17EDRP2@va.gov for more information, the EDRP Coordinator for questions / assistance.Learn morePay : 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)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 VAInsurance : Federal health / vision / dental / term life / long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)Telework : Not AvailableVirtual : This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement # : 00000, 53701FPermanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not AuthorizedRequirementsHelpConditions of employmentYou 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 trial period.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 (). 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.Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).QualificationsApplicants 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 : (1) 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.English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).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).Grade Determinations : Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07.Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-09.Experience or Education. Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below : Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. OREducation. Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science.In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs : (a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.(b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.(c) Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.(d) Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.(e) Ability to read and interpret written instructions.(f) Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below : Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OREducation. 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.In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs : (a) Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work.(b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement.(c) Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes.(d) Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation.(e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results.(f) Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.(g) Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education.Preferred Experience : 1. Clinical Laboratory Scientist or equivalent certification is a must2. Two years experience working in a clinical laboratory as Laboratory Generalist3. ASCP Certification.4. ASCP Certification in an area of clinical laboratory specialty : SM (ASCP), SC (ASCP), SH (ASCP) SMB (ASCP)5. Two years experience working as Clinical Laboratory Scientist in federal medical facility.Reference : For more information on this qualification standard, please visit full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11.Physical Requirements : Heavy Lifting (up to 40 lbs); Heavy Carrying (up to 40 lbs.); Straight Pulling (1-2 hours); Pushing (1-2 hours);Reaching above shoulder (occasional); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (1 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Sitting (up to 6 hours); Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted).EducationNote : 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 : 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 : 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 in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed.Note : If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.Note : If your school was accredited by the Department of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the Accreditation : Postsecondary Education Institutions | U.S. Department of Education website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.Additional informationReceiving 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.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.Expand Hide additional informationCandidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.