Clinical Lab Scientist

Summary: This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval determines award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) as administered by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Qualifications Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment not to exceed 2 years and may only be appointed at the entry level; they may not be promoted or converted until certification is obtained under 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2) – This appointment may not be extended. 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: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one course in microbiology) and 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry). Certification: Candidates must have either (1) generalist certification as a MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT, or (2) generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. Exception for non-certified applicants: (a) Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired and actively work toward certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or AMT; (b) Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. Grade determinations: GS-7 CLS (entry level) – employee serves in an entry-level position, requires daily direct supervision. GS-9 CLS – developmental CLS; responsible for evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating test results… (list continues). Experience or education at GS-9: (a) 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, or (b) Master’s degree or 2 academic years of graduate education. Knowledge, skills, and abilities for GS-9: knowledge of policies, procedures, quality control, equipment, teamwork, interpretation, analytical phases, etc. GS-11 CLS (full performance) – independent operations, quality control, safety officer duties, etc. Experience or education: (a) 1 year of experience, or (b) 3 full years graduate education or a Ph.D. Physical requirements: as specified in VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Duties Greets and identifies patients. Secures and accession appropriate laboratory orders, verifies correct identification using two identifiers. Performs phlebotomy on inpatients and outpatients, labels specimen containers per accreditation agency standards. Verifies specimen suitability, documents rejections and corrective actions. Logs specimens into accession areas during preanalytical phase. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation and performs quality control checks. Identifies and troubleshoots malfunctions, performs repairs and corrective actions. Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities. Follows regulations for preparing specimens for transport (DOT, IATA, USPS, private courier, VA driver). Maintains knowledge of transportation regulations, participates in continuing education. Assesses specimens for additional testing orders. Performs routine quality assessments promptly and accurately. Communicates effectively in writing and verbally with coworkers, supervisors, patients. Adheres to safety policies, participates in competency assessment and proficiency testing. Supports quality assurance activities in the laboratory. Works with computer applications: CPRS, VistA, Excel, Word. Work schedule: 2200–0630 M–F including rotating weekends; telework: not available; virtual: not a virtual position. Relocation/recruitment incentives: not authorized. EDRP authorized; former EDRP participants ineligible for incentives. Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io (EDRP Coordinator) for questions or assistance. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs