Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Ancillary Testing Coordinator

Summary The CLS develops and recommends policies and procedures for procurement and service requirements - ensuring CLIA licenses are maintained for off‑site facilities. The CLS consults with leadership of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs, analyzes emerging trends and technology, and adopts appropriate methods. Recognized as a technical expert to provide authoritative advice, training, troubleshooting, quality assessment, and ancillary testing program consultation. Qualifications 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; candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f) A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university Certification: Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below: (1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT‑MLS‑ or CLS given by the ASCP‑BOC, ASCP‑BOR, or AMT. (2) For positions up to the full performance level – candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above (e.g., chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB), and blood bank (BB/SBB)). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e.g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry). 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). 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight and guidance for testing programs outside of the laboratory. Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement. Knowledge of Federal, state, and VHA laws, regulations, reference standards, and certifying or accrediting agency requirements to carry out work in each ancillary testing site. Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity. Skill in applying new scientific/technological developments and theories to laboratory testing. Ability to evaluate, interpret, and teach others to use quality control procedures and implement corrective actions. Duties The CLS develops and recommends policies and procedures for procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing as mandated by VHA, ensuring CLIA licenses are maintained for off‑site facilities such as Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The CLS consults with leadership of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs, analyze emerging trends and technology, and adopt appropriate methods. The CLS serves as a recognized technical expert to provide authoritative advice, training, troubleshooting, quality assessment, and ancillary testing program consultation. The CLS develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials, and other program materials. The CLS ensures accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies for patient testing, results reporting, and proficiency testing. The CLS monitors and reports on continuous performance improvement initiatives. The CLS evaluates ancillary testing activities to assess ongoing day‑to‑day compliance with established protocols and guidelines. The CLS identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data and problems associated with unique aspects of the ancillary testing management program. The CLS has knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements and performs and evaluates instruments, performs validation studies, recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies, and improves the program. The CLS develops and implements corrective action when deficiencies are identified and coordinates inventory management, supply acquisition, and contracts. Preferred Experience: 3 years of Point of Care experience. Physical Requirements (in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 5019): Moderate lifting (15‑44 pounds) Use of fingers; both hands required Walking (1‑2 hours) Standing (1‑3 hours) Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Ability to distinguish basic colors Hearing (aid permitted) Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Benefits Work Schedule: Full‑Time – Monday‑Friday 0700–1530 (Weekends and holidays rare but possible). Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Competitive salary with 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% contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Telework: Not Authorized; Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 593‑07384‑F. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Reference: #J-18808-Ljbffr Direct Jobs