Summary

The CLS serves as a Technical Specialist in microbiology - providing expert advice and consultation for markedly difficult - complex - unique and/or emerging tests that require special knowledge. Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of specialized testing - including appropriateness that takes into consideration clinical context and on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses. Analyzes emerging technology trends to adopt appropriate methods/testing.

Qualifications

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: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English
• Education: Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science - medical technology - clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g. - laboratory sciences such as chemistry - biochemistry - biology - microbiology - immunology - etc.)
• Certification: Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
• OR Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR 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 Clinical Laboratory Specialist (Technical) - Microbiology In addition to the meeting the Basic Requirement above - must have at least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: (A) Knowledge and understanding of concepts - principles - methodology of medical laboratory technology - regulatory and accrediting agency requirements - medico-legal requirements - and pertinent statistics sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests
• (B) Knowledge of instructional techniques to instruct newly hired clinical laboratory scientists and clinical pathology residents in proper performance of tests and applications of laboratory procedures
• (C) Knowledge of one or more advanced clinical laboratory functions
• (D) Skill to apply new scientific/technical developments to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations
• (E) Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to accomplish the work of a clinical laboratory
• (F) Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to accomplish the work of the specific laboratory section
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 12
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include - but are not limited to the following: The CLS serves as a Technical Specialist CLS - providing expert authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult - complex - unique and/or emerging tests that require special knowledge
• Examples include - but are not limited to - molecular pathology - gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy - and flow cytometry
• Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of specialized testing - including appropriateness that takes into consideration clinical context
• Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses and analyzes emerging trends and technology to adopt appropriate methods and testing
• Develops policies - precedents - regulatory - licensing - and accrediting requirements to establish - monitor - and maintain the specialized testing
• Assumes responsibility for training and competency assessment of staff and students within the area assigned
• Works independently and is given freedom of action under the general guidance of a pathologist or other laboratory practitioner
• Work Schedule: M - F 8:00- 4:30 with **Rotating schedule with weekends & Holidays EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact susan.bringel@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Functional Statement #: 07736-F