Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager)

The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager) serves as a consultant, and technical advisor to staff at all levels to ensure facility compliance with clinical laboratory accreditation and regulatory standards that include, but are not limited to, Joint Commission, College of American Pathologists, and the Office of Inspector General.

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification: 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). 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 above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed. Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager), GS-12. (1) Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments. (2) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (A) Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems. (B) Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization. (C) Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system. (D) Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions. (E) Ability to adapt, implement and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software. (F) Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. (3) Assignment: The CLS develops and recommends new policies and procedures regarding installation and use of the laboratory information system (LIS) in conjunction with the overall hospital information system (HIS). This individual provides authoritative advice and consultation on the information system as it applies to the clinical laboratory. The CLS advises all organizational levels on functions and capabilities of the LIS. The individual implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording while considering compliance principles. The CLS analyzes emerging trends, software, and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals. The CLS serves as the local expert for national software developers for testing and validating software packages. They are responsible for compliance with regulatory agency requirements as related to information systems, and they perform audits as needed. The CLS consults with and trains personnel on computer functions, including ordering options, and is responsible for the maintenance of computer security keys. 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-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12 Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.