Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager) - ATC

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Duties

• The CLS develops, recommends, and maintains policies and procedures for the laboratory information system (LIS) in coordination with the hospital information system. They provide expert guidance on LIS functions, capabilities, and compliance requirements, including coding and mapping for test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload monitoring. The CLS evaluates emerging technologies, supports software testing and validation, and ensures regulatory compliance through audits and corrective actions. Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Laboratory Information System Builds or modifies laboratory test files as needed and maintains instrument interfaces with the LIS & EHR. Properly tests and documents all installations, service, maintenance, and upgrades. Troubleshoots analyzer and connectivity issues, coordinating with vendors, OIT and Biomedical Engineering as needed. Update and write procedures, guides, and training manuals as needed. Develop, deploy, and maintain Instrument Manager-based decision-support algorithms ("Rules"). Develops and maintains computer downtime contingency plans for both scheduled and emergency interruptions Consults with leadership to identify laboratory information testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology and adopt appropriate methods. Troubleshoot complex communication issues between the instrument and the laboratory information system and/or related applications. Detects and promptly addresses and resolves disruptions in the laboratory service stemming from the software package, instrument interfaces, or middleware. Serves as a recognized expert to provide authoritative advice and consultation on the information system. Ancillary Testing Program Manages and maintains RALS, including daily QC review, monthly QC/LJ/error reports, and system oversight. Reviews daily workload, LSRs, critical results, and manual entries for accuracy. Troubleshoots analyzer and connectivity issues, coordinating with vendors and Biomedical Engineering as needed. Logs and investigate connectivity or sample issues originating from CBOCs. Completes CAP PT and monthly quality control testing for backup analyzers. Performs special projects as assigned. Laboratory Operations & Leadership Establish and maintain effective interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals. Demonstrates effective communications skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively, asking pertinent questions where clarification is needed, even under difficult conditions, fostering a professional manner of communication appropriate to the situation. Nurtures cooperation between the laboratory and other areas of the healthcare system to meet laboratory testing needs Plans and schedules on-going work independently. Communicates with national and/or VISN groups working on laboratory information and/or ancillary testing systems to stay informed of upcoming changes, improvements, and problems. Advise all organizational levels on various aspects of the functions and capabilities of the information system. Communicate daily with end users to resolve immediate issues related to POC devices, LIS connectivity, or workflow. Coordinates ordering and maintaining adequate inventory of consumables and POC supplies. Functions as backup for Minneapolis and CBOC ancillary testing duties. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; Daytime Hours; No Weekend/Holidays Telework: Ad-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): This occupational series is eligible for the SLRP. Funding is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. SLRP is an incentive, not a benefit. It is dispersed as a one-time lump sum payment or bi-weekly payments. The total…

Qualifications

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) on a separate document. Basic Requirements: United States 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. Certification. Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. 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) 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. 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: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager), GS-12 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems. Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization. Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system. Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions. Ability to adapt, implement and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software. Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. Preferred Experience: Experience with clinical laboratory information systems, electronic health re…

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.