Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Quality Manager)

Veterans Health Administration • New Orleans, LA

16d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Quality Manager) serves as the Quality Manager for the laboratory service in addition to performing the duties of a Full Performance Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist. The role develops, implements, and monitors quality management programs to ensure laboratory services meet regulatory and accreditation standards. The Quality Manager leads quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives, analyzes data to identify trends and corrective actions, and oversees document control and proficiency testing programs.

The incumbent maintains competency in at least one laboratory section—Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology/Molecular, or Point of Care Testing—and performs testing as assigned. The position is GS-12, has a Monday–Friday schedule of 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. with occasional weekends and holidays, and is subject to change based on facility needs. Telework and virtual work are not available.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval. The potential award is up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for appointment of non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Meet one of the listed certification options: generalist MLS certification from ASCP BOC or AMT; generalist MT certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; or categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT. The posting also describes a grandfathering provision for eligible VHA employees.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level for GS-12 assignments.
• Demonstrate knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, and practices sufficient to plan, coordinate, and evaluate laboratory services.
• Demonstrate knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements pertaining to laboratory operations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization.
• Demonstrate skill in applying laboratory quality control and assurance policies, procedures, principles, and safety practices and regulations.
• Demonstrate ability to apply quality management performance improvement principles, methodology, and processes to develop and manage a clinical laboratory quality management program.
• Demonstrate ability to apply statistical evaluation and analysis to quality assurance data and implement corrective actions when indicated.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet VA pre-employment conditions, including applicable background/security investigation, pre-employment evaluation, drug testing for testing-designated positions, onboarding and identification requirements, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet the physical requirements of the assignment; may need to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or Medical Laboratory Science.
• MT(ASCP) or MLS(ASCP) certification.
• Demonstrated experience leading or managing clinical laboratory quality assurance and quality improvement programs, including developing, implementing, and monitoring policies for ongoing compliance with national regulatory and accreditation standards such as CAP, The Joint Commission, and CLIA.
• Extensive knowledge of advanced laboratory principles and practices across multiple disciplines, with a record of developing and overseeing corrective action plans, conducting root cause analyses, and implementing process changes to improve laboratory performance and patient safety.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, including experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, mentoring laboratory staff, and providing education and training in quality management principles and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, review, and facilitate planning of laboratory quality management policies and procedures.
• Measure physician, nursing, and patient satisfaction with laboratory services.
• Evaluate and implement new techniques and procedures, including developing validation plans using statistical methods.
• Identify areas requiring improvement or deficiencies; propose solutions; develop implementation plans; monitor progress; and evaluate outcomes.
• Formulate data collection and analysis measures to assist with or correct problem areas.
• Advise laboratory management on quality management concerns affecting other services and assist with follow-up.
• Apply statistical evaluation and analysis to quality assurance data, including trend analysis and standard deviation, and implement corrective actions as indicated.
• Respond to national accreditation agencies, VISN inquiries, surveys, and questionnaires.
• Act as Laboratory Safety Officer and maintain safety, chemical hygiene, and infection control policies.
• Educate and train laboratory staff in technical competencies, including data collection, analysis, and relevant statistical methods.
• Maintain competency in at least one laboratory section and perform testing as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with and documentation of accreditation requirements, including CAP, TJC, and FDA requirements.
• Manage proficiency testing programs and coordinate analysis of survey data.
• Provide quarterly and/or annual quality reports to the Chief, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and the Pathology Laboratory Manager.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), potentially up to $200,000 subject to approval and eligibility.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior