Clinical Laboratory Scientist- Generalist

Summary

The pathology and laboratory service is currently recruiting for one (1) Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Generalist in Oklahoma City - OK to join their service line.

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
• Clinical Laboratory Scientists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Education- A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• 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: 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 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
• 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)
• Certification- Candidates must meet one of the certification options below
• A copy of certification is required when submitting application
• 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
• NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held
• Grade Determinations: GS 7- Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Entry Level)Experience
• None beyond the basic requirements
• GS-09 Clinical Laboratory Scientist Experience or Education
• Experience
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade
• OR Education
• A Master's degree OR 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science
• GS-09 Clinical Laboratory Scientist Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to meeting the certification and experience or education for the GS-09 level you must demonstrate the following KSA's
• Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance
• Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments
• Ability to read and interpret written instructions
• Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical - analytical - and post-analytical phases of testing
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist - GS-11 (Full Performance Level) 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 level
• OR Education
• 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
• A copy of valid transcripts is required when submitting application
• GS-11 Clinical Laboratory Scientist Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition to meeting the certification and experience or education for the GS-11 level you must demonstrate the following KSA's
• Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts - and theories that support sound - independent work
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
• Skill in informatics - laboratory data flow - and laboratory processes
• Ability to maintain - troubleshoot - and repair instrumentation
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
• Ability to read - interpret - and apply complex written instructions
• Ability to communicate - consult - and interact with other members of the health care team - external relations - customer service - and patient education
• Preferred Experience: Generalist Clinical Laboratory Scientist (MT/CLS/MLS) experience and certification
• 1 year experience is preferred
• however - recent graduates are encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated experience in the following clinical laboratory areas is highly desired: Processing - Hematology/Coagulation - Chemistry - basic Transfusion Medicine (type/screen - crossmatching - etc) - basic Microbiology (processing - plating - molecular testing - and reading gram stains) with experience working in a dynamic - team-based environment
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit
• The 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-07 to GS-11
• Physical Requirements The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs. - straight pulling - pushing - reaching above the shoulder - use of fingers and both hands - walking - standing for up to 4 hours - kneeling - repeated bending - use of both arms and legs
• Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes - depth perception - ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors - hearing (aids permitted) - clear - high cognitive function and emotional stability
• ability to read ordinary type without strain.

Duties

• *Complete all application requirements detailed in the \"Required Documents\" section of this announcement.* Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties and Responsibilities: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the CLS occupation
• In addition - performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
• Recognizes deviation from expected results
• analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
• 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 - performs limited minor repairs - and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction
• Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles when applicable 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
• May be called upon to assist in evaluation and implementation of new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment - method comparison - and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods when applicable - 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
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (e.g. - healthcare providers - patients - and others)
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
• Work Schedule: Overnights
• 9:00 p.m
• - 7:30 a.m.
• 10 hour shifts Compressed/Flexible: Available
• To be discussed with supervisor Recruitment Incentive (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: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:60601-A
• 60602-A
• 60603-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.