Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist position is located at the VA Illiana Healthcare System, 1900 E Main St. Danville, IL 61832. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package for Clinical Laboratory Scientists: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include, but not limited to:

• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the clinical laboratory scientist occupation.
• 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.
• 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.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer.
• Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
• Assumes responsibility to maintain operations including preventive maintenance and training on the operation of new test systems.
• Assists in writing procedures and other documents as directed.
• Modifies or adapts new methods or techniques to improve or expand services.
• Develops protocols for performance of tests and evaluation of results.
• Ensures that laboratory tests and procedures are consistent with accrediting agencies standards and requirements.
• Recognizes methodology limitations such as linearity, interference, sensitivity, and specificity and considers these when drawing conclusions.
• Performs validation/method verification studies for new systems.
• Monitors and maintains inventory including reagents, calibrators, quality control, etc.
• Consults with healthcare providers on logical protocol to follow in attempting to confirm the diagnosis or risk assessment of a patient.
• Provides technical advice to staff and other health care members.
• Assists with staff competency assessment as applicable.
• Assumes responsibility for the instruction and coordination of teaching activities for Clinical Laboratory Scientist students in order to fulfill the requirements of a NAACLS-accredited CLS Program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday-Friday 4:00pm- MID, with rotating on-call, weekends, and holidays.

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.

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)

Functional Statement #: 06374F, 06375F, 06376F