Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager)

Veterans Health Administration • Alexandria, LA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist serves as the Laboratory Information Manager (LIM) and Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) for the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the Alexandria VA Health Care System, an OPES Complexity Level 3 facility performing an average of 1.3 million billable tests annually. The position provides authoritative advice and consultation on information systems as they apply to the clinical laboratory and provides technical, analytical, and automated data processing support to laboratory operations.

The role implements and maintains laboratory test coding and mapping, supports laboratory information system operations and interfaces, and helps ensure accurate ordering, reporting, billing, workload recording, and patient result records. It develops and maintains decision-support algorithms, documentation, procedures, training materials, and policies; supports regulatory compliance and inspections; and works with facility, VISN, and national groups on laboratory information systems. The position also provides consultation and training to laboratory and clinical personnel and leads reengineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., subject to change based on facility needs. Telework is available; this is not a virtual position. Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks and normal safety precautions. The position may require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing, and may require personal protective equipment and annual TB screening or testing.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• One of the following certifications: 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. Categorical and specialist certifications are acceptable for this non-section-specific Laboratory Information Manager assignment.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level for a GS-12 assignment.
• Knowledge of clinical laboratory technology concepts, principles, and methodology in relation to laboratory information systems.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization.
• Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement laboratory-related packages and sustain laboratory system operations.
• Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions.
• Ability to adapt, implement, and integrate software for specific laboratory applications and processes, including office automation software.
• Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and background/security investigation; selected applicants are also subject to drug screening and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Must complete required onboarding and application documentation and serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording systems.
• Analyze emerging trends, software, and technology and adopt appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals.
• Provide authoritative advice and consultation on laboratory information systems and serve as the local expert for national software developers during alpha or beta testing.
• Implement software patches and instrumentation changes promptly, and test them to identify problems in laboratory test ordering, accessioning, or resulting.
• Detect, address, and resolve disruptions to laboratory services caused by software packages, instrument interfaces, or middleware.
• Serve as the principal contact for laboratory interactions with the facility Office of Information Technology and Clinical Applications Coordinators.
• Implement computer downtime backup systems, including manual result reporting and timely retrospective order entry and result reporting in the LIS.
• Maintain applicable LIS documentation in accordance with VHA Directive 1106 and accrediting agency requirements.
• Develop, deploy, and maintain Instrument-Manager-based decision-support algorithms and rules.
• Provide technical, analytical, and automated data processing support to the laboratory.
• Communicate with national and VISN groups working on laboratory information systems to stay informed about changes, improvements, and problems.
• Evaluate laboratory information management procedures and practices and identify opportunities to improve services through automation or information system changes.
• Represent the laboratory on committees and meetings related to ADPAC responsibilities and maintain enrollment in national and local ADPAC mail groups.
• Consult with and train personnel on computer functions, ordering options, and computer security keys.
• Train newly hired clinical staff, students, and other clinical staff in clinical laboratory specialties, especially laboratory reporting and computer use.
• Create, apply, and monitor reengineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives within the program or organization.
• Identify, define, and resolve issues involving complex data, ensuring data validity in relation to test systems.
• Ensure corrective action is initiated when test performance deviates from established specifications or nonconforming events occur.
• Develop technical bulletins, procedures, training materials, and other program materials to support accreditation and regulatory compliance for patient testing and result reporting.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures for installation and use of the laboratory or hospital information system.
• Prepare for regulatory inspections by reviewing compliance and participate in inspections of in-house and external facilities as required.
• Promptly report variances, incidents, and deviations from policy in accordance with applicable procedures.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, comprising 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees with qualifying family income may receive a childcare subsidy of up to 25% of eligible childcare costs, subject to a monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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