Summary

This is the full performance level (FPL) for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) position assigned to the Clinical Testing Unit - Microbiology - or Pathology department within P&LMS at Dayton VAMC - Dayton - Ohio. The incumbent must meet the basic requirements and the additional Experience or Education requirements as defined in the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Qualification Standard (GS-0644).

Qualifications

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: Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science - medical technology - clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g. - laboratory sciences such as chemistry - biochemistry - biology - microbiology - immunology - etc.)
• Certification: Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
• OR Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
• 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: GS-11 Clinical Laboratory Specialist- Microbiology GS-11 Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Full Performance) This is the full performance level (FPL) for the Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) position assigned to the Clinical Testing Unit - Microbiology - or Pathology department within P&LMS at Dayton VAMC - Dayton - Ohio
• The incumbent must meet the basic requirements and the additional Experience or Education requirements as defined in the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Qualification Standard (GS-0644)
• The CLS at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory
• The CLS is responsible for evaluating - performing - interpreting - and validating the accuracy and validity of test results
• The incumbent performs a variety of delicate and complex tests on biological specimens and serves as a generalist in medical technology with responsibility for performing procedures in all areas of Specimen Collection and Processing including send out testing - Chemistry - Immunochemistry - Hematology - Coagulation - Blood Bank - Blood Gas - Urinalysis - Microbiology - Molecular - Histology - and Pathology
• Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below:(a) Experience
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• OR (b) 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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 judgement to analyze and interpret laboratory results
• Ability to read and 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 11
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• VA Careers - Microbiology/Molecular Clinical Laboratory Scientist: https://youtube.com/embed/eSDGhIwZKdwTotal Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Preferred Experience: A minimum of two years of microbiology experience - including organism identification using both manual methods and automated analyzers - as well as antibiotic susceptibility reporting
• Major duties include - but are not limited to the following: The CLS serves as a Technical Specialist CLS - providing expert authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult - complex - unique and/or emerging tests that require special knowledge
• Perform a wide range of routine and specialized laboratory tests in Chemistry - Hematology - Urinalysis - Coagulation - Blood Bank - Microbiology - Molecular - Histology - and Pathology
• Collect and prepare biological specimens
• evaluate suitability and ensure proper handling to maintain integrity
• Operate - calibrate - and troubleshoot laboratory instruments
• perform minor repairs as needed
• Monitor and document quality control systems
• ensure compliance with CAP - Joint Commission - CLIA - and VA standards
• Analyze - interpret - and validate test results
• correlate findings with patient history and clinical data
• promptly report critical values
• Generate and verify laboratory results in the computer system
• maintain accurate data entry and recordkeeping
• Participate in process improvement - method validation - and implementation of new laboratory procedures and technologies
• Train and mentor laboratory staff - students - and other healthcare professionals
• conduct in-service sessions
• Maintain inventory of supplies and reagents to ensure efficient operations
• Adhere to biosafety - infection control - and data security policies
• ensure compliance with privacy and safety regulations
• Provide professional - courteous service to patients - staff - and healthcare teams
• demonstrate sensitivity to patient age - culture - and individual needs
• Maintain professional competency through continuing education and required VA training
• Work Schedule: Work Schedule: Rotating schedule with weekends & Holidays Functional Statement #: 93086-0 EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact VISN10HRCCOE@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more