Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Greets / identifies patients; secures and accessions appropriate laboratory orders and requests written follow-up / 'read back' for verbal orders from ordering personnel; performs phlebotomy on inpatients and outpatients; and labels specimen
  containers per accreditation agency standards / SOP.
• Verifies correct identification of patients and specimens using two identifiers throughout collection, aliquoting, processing, handling, testing, reporting, and storage according to requirements.
• The incumbent performs a broad range of advanced and complex laboratory procedures.
• Evaluates specimen suitability for analysis, requesting new specimen (or recollection) if necessary. Documents specimen rejections and corrective actions according to lab SOP. Logs in all acceptable specimens received into the appropriate accession areas during preanalytical phase of processing.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking in to account physiologic processes and requirements.
• Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures with quality control checks. Identifies and trouble shoots cause(s) of malfunction and performs simple repairs
  and corrective actions when maintenance, function checks, calibration, and quality control fail.
• Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance improvement.
• Follows all applicable regulations when preparing specimens for commercial transport systems (DOT / IATA/USPS/Private courier/ VA Driver). Maintains current knowledge of transportation regulations by participating in continuing education as
  available to ensure active certification for specimen shipping / transport.
• Assesses specimens for additional laboratory testing orders and performs additional lab testing as indicated.
• Performs routine quality assessments promptly and accurately.
• Communicates effectively and in both writing and verbally when dealing with co-workers, supervisors, and patients.
• The incumbent adheres to established safety policies, participates in the competency assessment programs, and performs analysis of proficiency testing (CAP Surveys).
• Supports quality assurance activities in the Laboratory.
• Works with different computer applications to include: CPRS, VistA, Excel, Word, etc.

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.
• 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  

  • REQUIRED - Resume Must include the following information for each job listed:
    • 1. Job title
    • 2. Duties (be as detailed as possible)
    • 3. Month & Year start/end dates (e.g. June 2017 to April 2019)
    • 4. Full-time or part-time status (MUST include hours worked per week)
    • 5. Your resume must also demonstrate that you meet the KSAs listed for the occupation and grade at which you qualify.
  • Professional Certification: Generalist certification as an MLS or MT given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
  • Transcript - To meet the basic requirement of the position.

  IMPORTANT You will not be contacted for additional information. Documents will not be accepted after the announcement has closed. Applicants will be deemed ineligible and removed from consideration, if your application package is incomplete and if supporting documentation is not submitted.
  
  

  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Transcript

  
  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  
  

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  
  

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/19/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12707132.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  Dawn Higgs

  Phone

  503-220-8262 X38403

  Email

  DAWN.HIGGS@VA.GOV

  Address

  VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System
  975 Kirman Avenue
  Reno, NV 89502
  US

  Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens and current, permanent Federal employees of other agencies.