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
• NOTE: The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director) - GS-15 - requires unique education requirements
• Please reference the education requirements located in that assignment below
• Certification
• (1) Candidates must meet one of the certification options below
• (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
• (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
• c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT
• Grandfathering Provision
• Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent - appropriate - and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard (12/03/2024) - are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held - including positive education and certification where applicable
• 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: (1) 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 (2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
• NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements
• English Language Proficiency
• Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f)
• 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-11 (Full Performance Level) Experience or Education
• Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: Experience
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9)
• Examples of experience would include - but are not limited to: evaluating - performing - interpreting - and validating the accuracy and validity of test results
• a clear progression of clinical knowledge and experience by performing testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods
• routine testing - quality control - routine maintenance of instrumentation - and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solving
• OR Education
• Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science
• Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts - and theories that support sound - independent work
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
• Skill in informatics - laboratory data flow - and laboratory processes
• Ability to maintain - troubleshoot - and repair instrumentation
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
• Ability to read - interpret - and apply complex written instructions
• Ability to communicate - consult - and interact with other members of the health care team - external relations - customer service - and patient education
• Preferred Experience: Minimum of 2 years Microbiology experience Knowledge of and experience with plate reading and susceptibility testing
• Knowledge of and experience with PCR testing
• Knowledge of and experience with Microbiology equipment troubleshooting
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting - 15-44 pounds
• Moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• Straight pulling (0.5 hours)
• Pushing (0.5 hours)
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers (8 hours)
• Both hands required
• Walking (4 hours)
• Standing (4 hours)
• Repeated bending (0.25 hours)
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
• Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• Both eyes required
• Depth perception
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Ability to distinguish shades of colors
• Hearing (aid may be permitted)
• Sitting (4 hours)
• Mental and Emotional Stability

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Clinical Lab Scientist (Microbiology) position is located at Audie L
• Murphy VAMC - in San Antonio - Texas within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service
• Duties may include but are not limited to: Uses extensive knowledge of clinical laboratory science principles - practices - concepts - and theories to independently plan - perform - and evaluate a wide range of complex laboratory tests
• Exercises professional judgment to troubleshoot unexpected test results - resolve technical issues - and adapt methods when necessary
• Utilizes a thorough understanding of quality control (QC) - quality assurance (QA) - and performance improvement principles to manage laboratory reagents - supplies - and inventories
• Adheres to all policies for proper collection - handling - accessioning - and labeling of specimens - ensuring patient safety - accurate identification - and infection control measures
• Evaluates specimen suitability for testing - requests new specimens if necessary - and preserves the integrity of samples throughout the testing process
• Reads - interprets - and applies complex written instructions - standard operating procedures (SOPs) - and regulatory guidelines to maintain operational consistency
• Prepares specimens for analysis by following advanced methodologies - confirming that pre-analytical variables do not compromise test results
• Selects - performs - evaluates - and monitors testing procedures using both manual and automated techniques in accordance with established protocols
• Operates a variety of complex laboratory instruments and analyzers (e.g. - cell counters - chemistry analyzers - urinalysis analyzers - microscopes)
• Calibrates - standardizes - adjusts - and maintains equipment - verifying correct operation through established QC procedures
• Assists in orienting and training new employees - guiding them in laboratory procedures - QC practices - safety protocols - and instrument operation
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers - patients - and others)
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing
• Any clinical laboratory and/or medical center task that is critical to the mission of the department and VHA as delegated by the Supervisory CLS - Laboratory Manager and/or Laboratory Director
• Work Schedule: 1600-2400 - M-F rotating weekends and holidays Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:53952F/Clinical Laboratory Scientist Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized