Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator)

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.

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
• 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 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: GS-12: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments
• In addition to the experience or education 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
• Preferred Experience: Developing and recommending policies and procedures for procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing (testing outside the physical confines of the main laboratory) as mandated by VHA that include ensuring CLIA licenses are maintained for off-site facilities such as Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC)
• Consulting with leadership of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs - analyzing emerging trends and technology and adopting appropriate methods
• Providing authoritative advice - training - troubleshooting - quality assessment and ancillary testing consultation
• Assessing ongoing day-to-day compliance with established protocols and guidelines
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The work involves regular and recurring risks and discomforts associated with working in a clinic
• This work requires physical exertion that consists of mainly long periods of standing and some bending and lifting as required for the handling of supplies and equipment
• In addition - manual skills are required to be able to perform delicate procedures.
  
  

Duties

• This announcement is for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator) - located at the Providence VA Medical Center in Providence RI
• This position is full time/40 hours a week
• The CLS 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 VHA that include ensuring CLIA licenses are maintained for off-site facilities such as Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC)
• Duties include but not limited to: Consults with leadership of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs - analyzes emerging trends and technology - and adopts appropriate methods
• Serves as a recognized technical expert to provide authoritative advice - training - troubleshooting - quality assessment and ancillary testing program consultation
• Develops technical bulletins - procedures - training materials - and other program materials
• Ensures accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies for patient testing - results reporting - and proficiency testing
• They also monitor and report on continuous performance improvement initiatives
• Evaluates ancillary testing activities to assess ongoing day-to-day compliance with established protocols and guidelines
• Identifies - defines - and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data and problems associated with unique aspects of the ancillary testing management program
• Work Schedule: Mon-Fri
• 8:00-4:30p.m
• Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
• Telework: Not Authorized
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: F08022
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact visn1edrpsupport@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
• Notifications: This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until 9/30/2026
• The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 5/1/2026 - with subsequent cut-off dates bi-weekly
• Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled
• This position is eligible for coverage by a Bargaining Unit - but is not currently represented
• This position is covered by a special rate
• Narrative responses to the knowledge - skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment
• Due to a critical staffing shortage - 38 U.S.C.
• 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50 - (Notice of Personnel Action)
• The SF-50 must identify the position title - series - grade - step - tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted)
• In some cases - more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.