Job Summary

The Laboratory Service is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist for the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System at the Charleston, South Carolina.

Job Description

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). 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. Assignment. An individual at this grade level serves as a developmental CLS. The CLS is responsible for evaluating, performing, interpreting, and validating the accuracy and validity of test results. The CLS demonstrates a clear progression of clinical knowledge and experience by performing testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens using manual or automated methods. This includes routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation, and troubleshooting that applies innovative procedures and problem solving. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to more experienced staff for a decision or assistance. Assignments at this level will include developmental duties of increasing scope and diversity as compared to the entry level. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for 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. NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer). Exception for Non-Certified.(a) Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency. (b) Non-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). (c) Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL. (d) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. (e) Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). GS-07. Experience or Education. Candidates at this level must possess a degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science. Refer to VA Handbook 5005, Staffing, Part II, Appendix G24, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-0644. OR Education. Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or a directly related science. GS-09.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. GS-11. Experience or Education. Candidates at this level must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Refer to VA Handbook 5005, Staffing, Part II, Appendix G24, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-0644. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:(a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of clinical laboratory testing.(b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance principles.(c) Knowledge of laboratory equipment and routine maintenance.(d) Ability to work as a team member and effectively complete assignments.(e) Ability to read and interpret written instructions.(f) Ability to accurately perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing.