Clinical Laboratory Scientist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Danville (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EDRP eligibility

Job summary

VA Illiana Healthcare System in Danville, IL seeks a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (GS-7 to GS-11) for full-time duties in the clinical laboratory.

The role involves performing a broad range of lab tests, maintaining quality and safety, and providing patient-focused laboratory service to the healthcare team.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship required per policy.
• English language proficiency in speaking and writing.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• Meet one of ASCP/AMT clinical laboratory certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of lab procedures including testing and tasks of the clinical laboratory scientist occupation.
• Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis.
• Maintain and document the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment.
• Calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Perform and document quality control and assurance activities related to test performance.
• Adhere to biosafety and biosecurity regulations in the workplace.

Skills

Clinical lab science

Quality control

Instruments maintenance

Team communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in medical technology or related field

Master's degree or 2 graduate years

Tools

ASCP BOC certification

AMT certification

MLS certification

Job description

Summary

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.

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.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C.


• 7403 (f) Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university


• Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT


• Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT


• Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT Grade Determinations: GS-07 Experience


• None beyond the basic requirements


• GS-09 Experience or Education


• Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience


• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade


• OR Education


• Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science


• GS-09 Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing


• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles


• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance


• Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments


• Ability to read and interpret written instructions


• Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical - analytical - and post-analytical phases of testing


• GS-11 Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience


• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level


• OR 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


• GS-11 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 judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results


• Ability to read - 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 GS 11


• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11.

Duties

• The Clinical Laboratory Scientist position is located at the VA Illiana Healthcare System - 1900 E Main St


• Danville - IL 61832


• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package for Clinical Laboratory Scientists: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include - but not limited to: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the clinical laboratory scientist occupation


• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiologic processes and requirements


• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment


• Uses - calibrates - identifies malfunctions - repairs - and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment


• Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement


• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace


• Identifies discrepancies - solves problems - and presents solutions


• Answers inquiries regarding test results - methodology - test specificity - test sensitivity - and specific factors - which influence test results


• Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures


• Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment - method comparison - and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge


• Interprets findings and makes recommendations


• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program


• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member


• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer


• Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988


• Assumes responsibility to maintain operations including preventive maintenance and training on the operation of new test systems


• Assists in writing procedures and other documents as directed


• Modifies or adapts new methods or techniques to improve or expand services


• Develops protocols for performance of tests and evaluation of results


• Ensures that laboratory tests and procedures are consistent with accrediting agencies standards and requirements


• Recognizes methodology limitations such as linearity - interference - sensitivity - and specificity and considers these when drawing conclusions


• Performs validation/method verification studies for new systems


• Monitors and maintains inventory including reagents - calibrators - quality control - etc


• Consults with healthcare providers on logical protocol to follow in attempting to confirm the diagnosis or risk assessment of a patient


• Provides technical advice to staff and other health care members


• Assists with staff competency assessment as applicable


• Assumes responsibility for the instruction and coordination of teaching activities for Clinical Laboratory Scientist students in order to fulfill the requirements of a NAACLS-accredited CLS Program


• Other duties as assigned


• Work Schedule: Full Time


• Monday-Friday 4:00pm- MID - with rotating on-call - weekends - and holidays


• 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 [e-mail] - 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


• 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: Not Available


• Virtual: This is not a virtual position


• Functional Statement #: 06374F - 06375F - 06376F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.