Clinical Lab Scientist

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & 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 ineligible to apply.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Greets / identifies patients; secures and accessions appropriate laboratory orders and requests written follow-up / ‘read back’ for verbal orders from ordering personnel; performs phlebotomy on inpatients and outpatients; and labels specimencontainers per accreditation agency standards / SOP.
• Verifies correct identification of patients and specimens using two identifiers throughout collection, aliquoting, processing, handling, testing, reporting, and storage according to requirements.
• The incumbent performs a broad range of advanced and complex laboratory procedures.
• Evaluates specimen suitability for analysis, requesting new specimen (or recollection) if necessary.
• Documents specimen rejections and corrective actions according to lab SOP.
• Logs in all acceptable specimens received into the appropriate accession areas during preanalytical phase of processing.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking in to account physiologic processes and requirements.
• Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains instruments.
• Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures with quality control checks.
• Identifies and trouble shoots cause(s) of malfunction and performs simple repairsand corrective actions when maintenance, function checks, calibration, and quality control fail.
• Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance improvement.
• Follows all applicable regulations when preparing specimens for commercial transport systems (DOT / IATA/USPS/Private courier/ VA Driver).
• Maintains current knowledge of transportation regulations by participating in continuing education asavailable to ensure active certification for specimen shipping / transport.
• Assesses specimens for additional laboratory testing orders and performs additional lab testing as indicated.
• Performs routine quality assessments promptly and accurately.
• Communicates effectively and in both writing and verbally when dealing with co-workers, supervisors, and patients.
• The incumbent adheres to established safety policies, participates in the competency assessment programs, and performs analysis of proficiency testing (CAP Surveys).
• Supports quality assurance activities in the Laboratory.
• Works with different computer applications to include: CPRS, VistA, Excel, Word, etc. Work Schedule: 2200-0630 M-F including rotating weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 07385F, 07386F, 07387F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
• Contact susan.bringel@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details.

How You Will Be Evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• REQUIRED –
• Resume Must include the following information for each job listed: 1. Job title 2.
• Duties (be as detailed as possible) 3.
• Month & Year start/end dates (e.g. June 2017 to April 2019) 4.
• Full-time or part-time status (MUST include hours worked per week) 5.
• Your resume must also demonstrate that you meet the KSAs listed for the occupation and grade at which you qualify.
• Professional Certification: Generalist certification as an MLS or MT given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
• Transcript – To meet the basic requirement of the position.
• IMPORTANT You will not be contacted for additional information.
• Documents will not be accepted after the announcement has closed.
• Applicants will be deemed ineligible and removed from consideration, if your application package is incomplete and if supporting documentation is not submitted.
• License Professional Certification
• Resume Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.
• Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Professional Certification
• Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript