Clinical Lab Scientist (Ancillary Test Coord)

Description:

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist develops and recommends policies and procedures for procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing (testing outside the physical confines of the main laboratory) as mandated by the VHA. The CLS consults with leadership of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs, analyzes emerging trends and technology, and adopts appropriate methods.

Requirements:

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).
• Foreign Education : To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following:
• Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program, OR
• Submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.
• Certification: Must possess one of the below certifications
  • 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.

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 :
Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight and guidance for testing programs outside of the laboratory.
• Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement.
• 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.
• Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity.
• Skill in applying new scientific/technological developments and theories to laboratory testing.
• Ability to evaluate, interpret, and teach others to use quality control procedures and implement corrective actions.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ .

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting/carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (up to 1/4 hour); pulling hand over hand (up to 1/4 hour); pushing (up to 1/4 hour); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking/standing (4-8 hours); repeated bending (2-4 hours); near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/40 and 20/50 in other eye; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted).