Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-0644-11, Path.

POSITION DUTIES:

Serves as a Medical Technologist in the Department of Pathology and Area Laboratory Services, Clinical Pathology Service, Client Services section, which encompasses the Front Desk, Phlebotomy, Shipping and Receiving, Specimen Processing, areas of Pathology Support Services, (PSS) and the Decentralized Laboratories (DLabs) program. This position requires skill in applying professional knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methods of medical technology (clinical chemistry, microbiology, hematology, urinalysis, toxicology and immunohematology).

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. TECHNICAL:

a. Responsible for developing and maintaining a quality control and quality assurance program in PSS and DLabs, which includes all laboratory testing performed outside the DPALS. Ensures compliance with accrediting agency requirements for periodic inspections and evaluations, adhering to the standards for laboratory accreditation from agencies with deemed status under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1988 (CLIA-88) such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP), The Joint Commission (TJC), and the Department of Defense (DoD) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program (CLIP). The incumbent oversees reference laboratory testing for the entire department by appropriately shipping specimens for testing (to include maintaining chain of custody, if necessary), ensuring correct data input, utilizing knowledge of certain clinical and physiological conditions to assess and correlate data, and verify results of laboratory tests; confirms/certifies test results received from outside laboratories; and ensures timely physician notification of both STAT results and panic values. Monitors all shipments received for testing to ensure specimen receipt, proper specimen, and prompt delivery to the appropriate section for testing; corresponds with customers on all issues in regards to all specimens received; conducts, reviews, and confirms/certifies high to minimal complexity laboratory testing throughout the Department of Pathology, as needed; works with management to streamline operations within the section as necessary.

b. Coordinates with medical staff to correct errors in specimen collection and/or test orders. Rejects specimen collections and requires recollections as necessary. Orders additional tests if indicated; requested by physician; or to correct errors. Contacts patients to obtain missing information, correct errors, or reschedule tests as needed; serves as a point of contact to resolve patient and physician complaints regarding phlebotomy, patient reception, specimen processing, and shipping of tests to other laboratories. Establishes or modifies policies and procedures as necessary to correct errors or improve section operations.

c. Performs nationwide searches to locate sources to perform extremely unusual tests. Researches scientific journals, laboratory catalogs, and contacts representatives by telephone or fax to determine cost, quality, and turnaround time; determines best source for obtaining tests; provides explicit information to requesting physician regarding preparation of patient; collection, transport, and storage of specimen; and any additional requirements such as patient/family history or other information pertinent to test performance. Coordinates specimen transport via commercial carriers, taxi, express mail, and civilian/military couriers and ensures specimens are shipped in a timely manner.

SUPERVISION:

2. Supervises two GS-09 positions, (i.e., Supv, PSS and Supv, DLABS). Technically supervises military and civilian technicians/clerks in the performance of phlebotomy, reception, laboratory specimen processing, specimen shipment, and DLabs duties. Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective considerations of difficulty and requirements of assignments, and capabilities of employees. Adjusts work schedules and staffing as necessary to meet priorities; gives advice, counsel, and instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters. Hears and resolves complaints from employees, referring group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to higher-level supervisors or managers. Effects minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands. Participates in selection of employees, recommends appointment, promotion, or reassignment. Prepares performance standards and evaluates work performance of subordinates. Identifies training needs of subordinates and arranges for or provides required training in such areas as use of laboratory computer system for ordering tests, accessioning specimens, entry of test results, retrieval of information, and printing of reports and labels; personal protection and laboratory safety; customer courtesy; operation of equipment; etc. Documents all training conducted and provides support in the phlebotomy area and DLabs program subordinate duties on an as needed basis.

Basic Requirement for Clinical Laboratory Scientist:

A. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

OR

B. A full 4-year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital-based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization. The professional medical technology curriculum may have consisted of a 1-year post- bachelor's certificate program or the last 1 or 2 years of a 4-year program of study culminating in a bachelor's in medical technology.

OR

C. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, microbiology, Immunology and Urinalysis/Body Fluids. This combination of education and experience must have provided knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of medical technology equivalent to that provided by the full 4-year course of study described in A or B above. All science and mathematics courses must have been acceptable for credit toward meeting the requirements for a science major at an accredited college or university. Acceptable experience is responsible professional or technician experience in a hospital laboratory, health agency, industrial medical laboratory, or pharmaceutical house; or teaching, test development, or medical research program experience that provided an understanding of the methods and techniques applied in performing professional clinical laboratory work. Certification/licensure as a medical technologist (generalist) obtained through written examination by a nationally recognized credentialing agency or State licensing body is a good indication that the quality of experience is acceptable.

Evaluation of Education and Experience: The major areas of clinical laboratory science are microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, and immunohematology (blood banking). Qualifying course work in these areas includes bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, tissue culture, virology, parasitology, endocrinology, enzymology, toxicology, urinalysis, coagulation, hemostasis, cell morphology, immunology, serology, immunoserology, immuno-deficiency, hemolysis, histocompatibility, cytotechnology, and similar disciplines or areas of laboratory practice.

Related fields include physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, cell biology, embryology, pathology, genetics, pharmacology, histology, cytology, nuclear medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, infection control, physics, statistics, and similar areas of science where the work is directly related to the position to be filled.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience: To qualify based on your work experience, your resume must describe one year of specialized experience which includes working in a Clinical Laboratory, performing one or more of the following, assisting medical staff in correcting errors in specimen collections or monitor quality control of laboratory testing or review and certify testing results for accuracy. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09).

OR

Education: Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as, Clinical Lab Science, Biological Sciences and Medical Technology. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts)

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to be qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then, divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts)

Experience or graduate education must have been in (1) the general field of medical technology; (2) one of the disciplines or specialized areas of medical technology; or (3) a field directly related and applicable to medical technology or the position to be filled.

In addition to meeting the qualification requirements listed above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the selective placement factor below:

This position requires Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologist (AMT) or other board or registry deemed comparable by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (OASD(HA)) or their designee as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) is required. (You must submit a copy of the certification when applying for this position)

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:

Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-09).

Conditions of Employment

• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Two year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• A Personnel Security Investigation is required
• This position is subject to annual seasonal influenza vaccinations. Applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to sign a statement consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
• Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS.
• A pre-placement medical examination is required.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• Applicants must be able to fulfill credentialing requirements and obtain and maintain appropriate/relevant clinical privileges.
• Pursuant to EO 14043, all Federal employees, regardless of duty location or work arrangement, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by November 22, 2021, or before entrance on duty if after November 22, subject to exceptions as required by law.
• If selected, the agency will provide information regarding what documentation is needed and how to request any legally required exceptions from this requirement.
• Proof of vaccination will be required. To ensure compliance with this mandate, review the vaccination requirements, to include timelines for receiving required doses, at the following: https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/faq/vaccinations/
• If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Your resume:

• Your resume may be submitted in any format and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
• If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
• For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete and you may not receive consideration for this position.
• 2. Other supporting documents:
• Cover Letter, optional
• Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
• Transcripts: This position has an individual occupational requirement and/or allows for substitution of education for experience. If you meet this requirement based on education you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application package or you may be rated ineligible.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $73,098.00 - $95,022.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

• Pathology

Schedule:

• Weekend availability

Supplemental Pay:

• Differential pay

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Phlebotomy: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Medical Technologist (Required)
• ASCP Certification (Required)

Work Location: One location