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 for GS-11: (a)Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
• (b)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: Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11
• (1) Experience or Education Candidates at this level must meet one of the criteria below: (a) Experience
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• OR (b) 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 Preferred Experience: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work
• (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
• (c) Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes
• (d) Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation
• (e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
• (f) Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions
• (g) Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education Assignment: This is considered FPL for a CLS
• A CLS at this level independently carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory
• The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements
• The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology
• Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods
• In addition to routine testing, the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting
• The CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests
• Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program
• This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing
• These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision
• The CLS assesses a situation, considers the options, and formulates an appropriate course of action
• This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures, collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and providing education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional, courteous, and effective manner
• 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: The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tests, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center
• The work involves sitting at a microscope or computer, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time
• Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds)
• light carrying (under 15 pounds)
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling
• ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens
• ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise
• working closely with others
• high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy
• emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations.