Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Quality Manager)

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

In addition to the duties and functions of a Full Performance Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), the incumbent serves as the Quality Manager for the Service. The Quality Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring quality management programs to ensure laboratory services meet all regulatory and accreditation standards. They lead quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives, analyze data to identify trends and drive corrective actions, and oversee document control and proficiency testing programs. Duties include, but not limited to: Develops, implements, reviews, and facilitates the planning of quality management policies and procedures for the laboratory. Measures physician, nursing, and patient satisfaction with laboratory services. Evaluates and implements new techniques/procedures, including development of validation plans using statistical methods. Identifies areas requiring improvement or deficiencies, proposes solutions, develops implementation plans, monitors progress, and evaluates outcomes. Formulates measures for data collection and analysis to assist or correct problem areas. Advises laboratory management on quality management concerns impacting other services and assists with follow-up. Applies statistical evaluation and analysis to QA data; performs trend analysis, standard deviation, and corrective actions as indicated. Responds to national accreditation agencies {including VHA Clinical Laboratory Scientist Quality and Compliance Agent), VISN inquiries, surveys, and questionnaires. Acts as Laboratory Safety Officer; maintains safety, chemical hygiene, and infection control policies. Provides education and training to all laboratory staff in technical competencies, including data collection, analysis, and relevant statistical methods. Maintains competency in at least one laboratory section (Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology/Molecular, Point of Care Testing) and performs testing as assigned. Ensures compliance and documentation of accreditation requirements (CAP, TJC, FDA, etc.). Manages proficiency testing programs and coordinates analysis of survey data. Provides quarterly and/or annual quality reports to the Chief, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Pathology Laboratory Manager. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 07:30am-4:00pm with occasional weekends and holidays; Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01596-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications

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 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. Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply:(1) Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or be changed to a lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) If an assignment above the FPL requires an additional certification over and above the basic requirements, employees must meet the assignment-specific requirement before they can be promoted. (3) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) Employees retained in this occupation under this provision who subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation. (5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Grade Determinations: Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Quality Manager), GS-12. Experience: 1 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: (A) Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of medical technology sufficient to perform the full range of duties involved in planning, coordinating, and evaluating laboratory services. (B) Knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements pertaining to laboratory operations. (C) Knowledge of laboratory operations and relationships to the organization. (D) Skill in applying laboratory quality control/assurance policies, procedures, and principles and safety practices and regulations. (E) Ability to apply quality management performance improvement principles, methodology, and processes to develop and manage a clinical laboratory quality management program. (F) Ability to apply statistical evaluation and analysis to quality assurance data and implement corrective actions when indicated. Preferred Experience: A bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or Medical Laboratory Science. MT(ASCP) or MLS(ASCP). Demonstrated experience leading or managing clinical laboratory quality assurance and quality improvement programs, including the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies to ensure ongoing compliance with national regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., CAP, The Joint Commission, CLIA). Extensive knowledge of advanced laboratory principles and practices across multiple disciplines, with a proven record of developing and overseeing corrective action plans, conducting root cause analyses, and implementing process changes to enhance laboratory performance and patient safety. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, mentoring laboratory staff, and providing education and training in quality management principles and best practices. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

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/. How You Will Be Evaluated

Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: Current permanent VA employees of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System All other VA employees Current Permanent Federal employees of other agencies VHA HPTs All other applicants Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred based on the Veterans' Preference IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. Other Information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.