Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Lab Information 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 4 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.

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Duties

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Develops and recommends new policies and procedures regarding the installation and use of the Laboratory Information System (LIS) or Hospital Information System (HIS).
• Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording systems taking into account compliance principles.
• Analyzes emerging trends, software, technology, and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals.
• Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of the functions and capabilities of the information system.
• Prepares PALMS' VISTA contingency plan. Performs annual review of plan and updates as needed. This includes prioritization of hardware, ensuring laboratory manual backup systems are written, available and functional and that personnel are familiar with the manual backup system for their section.
• Responsible for obtaining VISTA access for new laboratory employees and pathology residents; determines and assigns appropriate menu options and security keys. Documents training of new employees on laboratory options. Annually reviews and updates access codes and security keys for laboratory and other medical center personnel who possess laboratory keys and options.
• Troubleshoots problems related to the laboratory phlebotomy collection which includes the draw list, labels, and/or computer ordering backup procedures. The incumbent assists laboratory personnel on ward ordering procedures and problems.
• The incumbent is responsible for the computerization of the Laboratory Workload Recording package including the initial implementation, on going changes, and updates. Confers with the section supervisor and technical staff on LMIP issues, resolving LMIP discrepancies, and ensuring data is accurate and complete prior to transmittal to Austin.
• Receives requests from PALMS or medical center personnel for laboratory statistical data and information which may include data for annual reports, special searches, patient laboratory reports or displays, number of tests performed, quality control and/or quality management data. The incumbent gathers, compiles laboratory data, and presents findings to requesting individual(s).
• Keeps a downtime log work sheet which is utilized within the medical center for ordering of patient laboratory tests.
• The incumbent is a member of the Medical Center Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) information committees and is a member of the barcode expansion project. The LIM attends meetings that involve the clinical departments of the medical center as needed.
• Prepares, maintains, and annually updates PALMS computer user's manual which complies with all regulatory agency requirements and all applicable policies and procedures.
• Initiates repair requests with IRM as needed. Coordinates with the supervisors, IRM, ISO, and logistics to ensure that hard drives are properly sanitized on leased equipment or equipment returns.
• Periodically verifies that patient results are accurately transmitted from point of data entry to all types of patient reports and documents review.
• Evaluates PALMS' need for personal computers through discussion with section supervisors and other technical and administrative staff. Prepares written justification for PC's and submits to IRM.
• Incumbent must posses a thorough knowledge of accreditation agency requirements such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), and Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) to ensure that all regulations relative to the VISTA package are met and documented.
• Provides training and disseminates information on new laboratory modules to staff.
• Reviews tests, and makes local modifications in any new versions of the module in a timely fashion.
• Incumbent is responsible for finding causes and solutions to problems encountered in the laboratory vista module for correcting hardware which is not operating properly.
  
  

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 08:00am -04:30pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 93854A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, for questions/assistance. Learn more

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
  
  

Qualifications

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:

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  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.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.7403(f).
• 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.
  
  

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).

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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:

GS-12 Clinical Laboratory Scientist ( Laboratory Information Manager)

Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) is required .

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.
  
  

Assignment. 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.



Preferred Experience: Laboratory Information System experience/ IT.



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.



Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs); As needed - Straight pulling, pushing, walking, standing, repeated bending, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required; both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously;

ability to see and distinguish depth perception, basic colors, and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted). In addition, the ability to deal with constant noise, work around machinery with moving parts, work closely with others or alone and work protracted or irregular hours.

Education


IMPORTANT: A transcript (official or unofficial) must be submitted with your application. A screenshot of your classes or a copy of your diploma are not an acceptable substitute for your transcript and will not be used in qualifying.



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/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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