Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager)

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties may include, but are not limited to: The incumbent generates reports required for workload monitoring, quality assurance, billing, and turnaround time monitoring. The incumbent assists laboratory staff with laboratory computer hardware and software issues and coordinates installations and upgrades to minimize any potential impact on patient care. The incumbent utilizes concepts, principles, and methodologies of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems (LIS), including, but not limited to, the display of appropriate reference ranges, reporting of proper units, and utilization of appropriate Analytical Measurement Ranges (AMR) and Clinically Reportable Ranges (CRR).

The incumbent demonstrates knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions and maintains knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement laboratory-associated software packages, sustain laboratory system operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and pursue technological advancements that support organizational and facility goals. The incumbent demonstrates the ability to independently plan, organize, prioritize, multitask, work effectively as a team member, and complete assignments in a timely manner.

The incumbent monitors, maintains, and improves HIS interfaces used by providers to order laboratory tests and retrieve laboratory results. The incumbent provides technical, analytical, and Automated Data Processing (ADP) support to the laboratory and assumes ownership of assigned projects, ensuring timely completion. The incumbent may be required to coordinate after-hours, weekend, or holiday support for disrupted IT functions when necessary to maintain service and when specialized knowledge of laboratory information systems is required.

The incumbent demonstrates exceptional communication skills with peers and supervisors, including the ability to speak before groups and communicate effectively through written policies, procedures, memoranda, and training materials. The incumbent maintains and updates policies and procedures related to the laboratory information system in accordance with regulatory requirements and maintains applicable LIS documentation in compliance with VHA Directive 1106 and all applicable accrediting agency requirements.

The incumbent implements backup systems during periods of computer downtime, including efficient manual processes for result reporting and timely retrospective order entry and result reporting in the LIS to preserve the integrity of cumulative patient laboratory results. The incumbent completes all required medical center and laboratory training and educational requirements within established deadlines. The incumbent demonstrates initiative by solving problems independently whenever possible and refrains from transferring responsibility unless justified.

The incumbent works collaboratively as part of a team, supports coworkers, and maintains effective working relationships. The incumbent promptly reports all variances, incidents, and deviations from policy in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri | 8:00AM - 4:30PM Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized.

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHAEDRPFacilityCoordinators@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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 (Appointment Above the Minimum Rate).

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: Available (ad-hoc) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 63729F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). b. Education. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. NOTE: The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director), GS-15, requires unique education requirements.

Please reference the education requirements located in that assignment below. c. Certification. (1) Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. (c) 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.

Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer).

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager), GS-12. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems. (b) Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization.

(c) Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system. (d) Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions. (E) Ability to adapt, implement and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software. (F) Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments.

Preferred Experience: Previous LIM experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant will be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019.