Job 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.

Job Description

Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. 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 - To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must meet the following requirements: Citizenship Candidates must be citizens of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Education A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required. Certification Candidates must meet one of the following certification options: Generalist certification as an MLS from ASCP BOC or AMT. Generalist certification as an MT from ASCP BOR or AMT. Exception for Non-Certified Applicants: Applicants may be hired without current certification if they meet one of the eligibility routes in Appendix A to sit for the MLS certification exam through ASCP BOC or AMT. Non-certified applicants who meet licensure eligibility may receive a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). Non-certified individuals must work under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the Full Performance Level (FPL). Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and cannot be promoted or converted until certification is obtained. Temporary appointments for non-certified CLSs may not exceed two years and cannot be renewed or converted into another temporary appointment. Foreign Education Foreign education is creditable if evaluated by an organization specializing in foreign credential review and deemed equivalent to U.S. programs. Foreign graduates qualify if: a. Their transcripts are evaluated as equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science program, or b. They submit documentation from ASCP BOC or AMT confirming eligibility to take the certification examination. Note: Possession of a qualifying certification listed in section 4c automatically validates foreign education equivalency. English Language Proficiency Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations - In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-07 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-09 Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following: One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-07; or A master's degree or two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a closely related science. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of clinical laboratory testing policies and procedures. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance. Ability to work effectively as a team member and complete assignments. Ability to read and interpret written instructions. Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing. Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-11 Experience or Education: Candidates must meet one of the following: One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-09; or Three full years of progressively higher graduate education, a Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a related science. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of advanced professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories supporting independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control, quality assurance, and performance improvement. Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory 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 effectively with healthcare team members, external partners, customers, and patients. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.