Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Area of Consideration: Open to Current, Permanent VISN 12 Employees.

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This position serves as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) - Ancillary Testing Coordinator for the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) which develops and recommends policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing (testing outside the physical confines of the laboratory) as mandated by VHA that includes ensuring CLIA licenses are maintained in off-site facilities such as Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). The ATC manages and coordinates a program for the facility and associated CBOCs involving testing performed at the point of care. The ATC consults with program managers or equivalent of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods. Must have knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements.

Duties include, but not limited to:

• • Develops and recommends policy and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary or point-of-care testing (Testing outside the main laboratory as mandated by Handbook 1 106.1) equipment and instrumentation. Ensure the appropriate correlation among different instrumentation and methodologies.
  • Trains and evaluates the competency of a variety of individuals (physicians, residents, nurses) in the performance of ancillary testing procedures and in the reporting of test results promptly, accurately, and proficiently.
  • Serves as a recognized technical expert (technical consultant or technical supervisor as mandated by CLIA) to provide authoritative advice and ancillary testing program consultation in areas of quality control/assurance, records control, proficiency testing, inspection, and accreditation to all levels of the organization.
  • Evaluates ancillary testing activities to assess ongoing day-to-day compliance with established protocols and guidelines. Recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies and improve the program.
  • Creates, applies, and monitors reengineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives, both within the program and/or the organization.
  • Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of the data and ensures the validity of data in relation to the test systems.
  • Consults with program managers or equivalent of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods.
  • Works collaboratively with many staff from other disciplines and various levels of education.
  • Educates staff outside of the laboratory on the testing system, maintains competency records and performs competency assessment as required by Federal Regulations.
  • Identifies, defines, and resolves problems associated with unique or controversial aspects of the ancillary testing management program where no direct precedent exists.
  • Evaluates instruments, performs validation studies, recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies, and improve the program.
  • Coordinates inventory management, supply acquisition and contracts.
  • May serve as a COR-II and collaboratively work with the Great Lakes Acquisition Center to provide essential acquisition planning documents and maintenance of a contract post-award.
  • Develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials and other program materials, which ensure accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies concerning patient testing, result reporting, and proficiency testing. Develops and implements corrective action when deficiencies are identified.
  • Maintains knowledge of and complies with CAP and Joint Commission regulations.
  • Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
  • Assumes responsibility for the instruction and coordination of teaching activities for Medical Technology students to fulfill the requirements of a NAACLS accredited CLS Program.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).
• Education (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED):
  • A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification: 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.

• Experience:
  • In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments.
• Your experience must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
  • (a) Knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight and guidance for testing programs outside of the laboratory.
  • (b) Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement.
  • (c) 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.
  • (d) Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity.
  • (e) Skill in applying new scientific/technological developments and theories to laboratory testing.
  • (f) Ability to evaluate, interpret, and teach others to use quality control procedures and implement corrective actions

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.