US Department of Veterans Affairs
Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator)
US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Overview
Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). You must meet eligibility requirements per 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 review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Duties
These assignments require specialized training and experience. Employees must have advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter beyond test performance duties. They have wide latitude for exercising independent judgment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Develops and recommends policy and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for the laboratory as mandated by Handbook 1106.1. Trains and evaluates the competency of a variety of individuals (physicians, residents, nurses, patients) in the performance of ancillary testing procedures and in the reporting of test results promptly, accurately, and proficiently. Serves as a recognized technical expert to provide authoritative advice and testing program consultation in quality control/assurance, records control, proficiency testing, inspection, and accreditation to all levels of the organization (CLIA). Evaluates laboratory testing activities to assess 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 within the program and the organization. Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex data and ensures data validity with the test systems. Consults with program managers or clinical service leaders to identify ancillary testing needs, analyze trends and technology, and adopt appropriate methods. Identifies, defines, and resolves problems with unique or controversial aspects of the laboratory testing management program where no direct precedent exists. Develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials, and other program materials to ensure accreditation and regulatory compliance for patient testing, result reporting, and proficiency testing. Develops and implements corrective action when deficiencies are identified. Represents the laboratory on appropriate medical center committees and collaborates with Medical Center Quality Management, physicians, nurses, and IT stakeholders. Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Compensation and Benefits
Pay: Competitive salary with regular increases; higher steps may be considered for exceptional qualifications. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time off per year (annual leave, sick leave, federal holidays). Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks after 12 months of employment. Child Care Subsidy: Eligible employees may receive a subsidy after 60 days of employment. Retirement and Insurance: Federal pension, 401(k) with VA contributions, health/vision/dental/other federal insurance programs. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Requirements
Note:
Education and qualifications must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Urinalysis drug screening before appointment for testing designated positions; refusal will result in denial of employment. Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959. Proficiency in written and spoken English. Background/security investigation required. Online onboarding and acceptable identification per I-9 requirements; REAL ID compliance applies after May 7, 2025. Pre-employment physical examination; influenza vaccination may be required. Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENTS : Citizenship: U.S. citizen (non-citizens may be appointed where qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy). Education: A bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification: One of the following: Generalist MLS certification (ASCP BOC or AMT) OR Generalist MT certification (ASCP BOR or AMT) OR Categorical or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. Notes:
Categorical/Specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions unless aligned with the relevant lab section; they may be acceptable for higher-graded positions in specific contexts. GRADE DETERMINATIONS GS-12: Requires 1 year of creditable experience at GS-11 and demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) including oversight of testing programs outside the laboratory, QA/QC, proficiency testing, regulatory requirements, laboratory IT systems, applying new developments, and ability to teach others to implement quality control and corrective actions. Experience: 1 year of creditable experience at the GS-11 level. KSAs: (A) medical technology concepts for oversight; (B) mathematics and statistics for QA/QC; (C) understanding of regulations and standards; (D) laboratory information systems; (E) applying new scientific developments; (F) evaluating and teaching QC and corrective actions. Assignment
The CLS develops policies for ancillary testing outside the main laboratory, ensures CLIA licenses for off-site facilities, consults with clinical leadership, analyzes trends, and maintains accreditation and regulatory compliance. The role involves continuous performance improvement, problem-solving for complex data, instrument validation, policy/protocol updates, inventory management, and coordination with contracts. Reference:
For more information on this qualification standard, visit the VA Qualification Standards page. The full performance level is GS-12; the appointee could be at GS-11 to GS-12. Physical Requirements
Intermittent lifting, carrying, use of fingers, walking/standing, bending, potential kneeling, color vision, near vision, hearing, teamwork, high cognitive demands in a fast-paced environment, and ability to wear PPE. Education
Education: A bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). You must meet eligibility requirements per 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 review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Duties
These assignments require specialized training and experience. Employees must have advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter beyond test performance duties. They have wide latitude for exercising independent judgment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Develops and recommends policy and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for the laboratory as mandated by Handbook 1106.1. Trains and evaluates the competency of a variety of individuals (physicians, residents, nurses, patients) in the performance of ancillary testing procedures and in the reporting of test results promptly, accurately, and proficiently. Serves as a recognized technical expert to provide authoritative advice and testing program consultation in quality control/assurance, records control, proficiency testing, inspection, and accreditation to all levels of the organization (CLIA). Evaluates laboratory testing activities to assess 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 within the program and the organization. Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex data and ensures data validity with the test systems. Consults with program managers or clinical service leaders to identify ancillary testing needs, analyze trends and technology, and adopt appropriate methods. Identifies, defines, and resolves problems with unique or controversial aspects of the laboratory testing management program where no direct precedent exists. Develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials, and other program materials to ensure accreditation and regulatory compliance for patient testing, result reporting, and proficiency testing. Develops and implements corrective action when deficiencies are identified. Represents the laboratory on appropriate medical center committees and collaborates with Medical Center Quality Management, physicians, nurses, and IT stakeholders. Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Compensation and Benefits
Pay: Competitive salary with regular increases; higher steps may be considered for exceptional qualifications. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time off per year (annual leave, sick leave, federal holidays). Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks after 12 months of employment. Child Care Subsidy: Eligible employees may receive a subsidy after 60 days of employment. Retirement and Insurance: Federal pension, 401(k) with VA contributions, health/vision/dental/other federal insurance programs. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Requirements
Note:
Education and qualifications must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Urinalysis drug screening before appointment for testing designated positions; refusal will result in denial of employment. Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959. Proficiency in written and spoken English. Background/security investigation required. Online onboarding and acceptable identification per I-9 requirements; REAL ID compliance applies after May 7, 2025. Pre-employment physical examination; influenza vaccination may be required. Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENTS : Citizenship: U.S. citizen (non-citizens may be appointed where qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy). Education: A bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification: One of the following: Generalist MLS certification (ASCP BOC or AMT) OR Generalist MT certification (ASCP BOR or AMT) OR Categorical or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. Notes:
Categorical/Specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions unless aligned with the relevant lab section; they may be acceptable for higher-graded positions in specific contexts. GRADE DETERMINATIONS GS-12: Requires 1 year of creditable experience at GS-11 and demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) including oversight of testing programs outside the laboratory, QA/QC, proficiency testing, regulatory requirements, laboratory IT systems, applying new developments, and ability to teach others to implement quality control and corrective actions. Experience: 1 year of creditable experience at the GS-11 level. KSAs: (A) medical technology concepts for oversight; (B) mathematics and statistics for QA/QC; (C) understanding of regulations and standards; (D) laboratory information systems; (E) applying new scientific developments; (F) evaluating and teaching QC and corrective actions. Assignment
The CLS develops policies for ancillary testing outside the main laboratory, ensures CLIA licenses for off-site facilities, consults with clinical leadership, analyzes trends, and maintains accreditation and regulatory compliance. The role involves continuous performance improvement, problem-solving for complex data, instrument validation, policy/protocol updates, inventory management, and coordination with contracts. Reference:
For more information on this qualification standard, visit the VA Qualification Standards page. The full performance level is GS-12; the appointee could be at GS-11 to GS-12. Physical Requirements
Intermittent lifting, carrying, use of fingers, walking/standing, bending, potential kneeling, color vision, near vision, hearing, teamwork, high cognitive demands in a fast-paced environment, and ability to wear PPE. Education
Education: A bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university. #J-18808-Ljbffr