Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager)

Veterans Health Administration • Livermore, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager) works in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at VA Palo Alto Health Care System. The role provides authoritative advice and consultation on laboratory information systems (LIS) and their integration with the hospital information system (HIS). The incumbent develops policies and procedures, implements laboratory software and interfaces, maintains system functionality, and supports regulatory compliance, data security, and accurate laboratory operations.

The incumbent independently plans and carries out assignments under the general direction of the Laboratory Manager, collaborating with laboratory supervisors, clinical pathologists, and other laboratory management team members. The position is a GS-12 technical specialist role. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position is not telework or virtual. It is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to individual eligibility and program approval.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizen appointments when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a related science.
• One of the listed credentials: MLS generalist certification from ASCP BOC or AMT; MT generalist certification from ASCP BOR or AMT; or categorical or specialist certification from ASCP or AMT. A grandfathering provision may apply to qualifying current VHA employees.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level for GS-12 assignments.
• Knowledge of clinical laboratory technology concepts, principles, and methodology in relation to laboratory information systems; laboratory operations and their organizational relationship; laboratory computer systems; and 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 complete assignments effectively.
• Successful completion of required background/security investigation, pre-employment physical evaluation, and other onboarding requirements; participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.

Responsibilities

• Develop and recommend policies and procedures for installing and using the LIS with the HIS, including LEDI interfaces with reference laboratories and other VA facilities, and laboratory label printers.
• Advise organizational levels on the functions, capabilities, and use of laboratory computer information systems.
• Analyze emerging trends, software, and technology; implement new computer technology, programs, and patches to meet agency requirements and local program needs.
• Serve as the local expert for national software developers in testing and validating laboratory software packages.
• Establish and maintain laboratory computer test files for all sections of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service and train staff in their use.
• Assess and implement interface connectivity to support accurate, automated transmission of laboratory data.
• Implement and maintain coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording, taking compliance principles into account.
• Maintain laboratory computer operations, written procedures, and documentation in accordance with accreditation and regulatory requirements; perform information-system audits as needed.
• Carry out day-to-day laboratory computer operations, troubleshoot computer problems and variances, and resolve errors according to established protocols or accepted laboratory practice.
• Coordinate with CPRS Clinical Applications Coordinators to address VistA laboratory needs and issues.
• Consult with and train personnel on computer functions, including laboratory ordering options, and maintain computer security keys.
• Protect sensitive printed and electronic information from unauthorized access, release, loss, alteration, or deletion; follow data-security procedures and train staff.
• Independently plan and organize work, set priorities, and collaborate with laboratory personnel and management to support accurate and efficient patient testing services.
• Communicate courteously and respectfully with patients, staff, and other customers; provide consistent information and resolve problems constructively.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with potential reimbursement of up to $200,000 subject to eligibility and approval.
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Child care subsidy may be available to qualifying full-time employees after 60 days of employment, subject to income, child eligibility, and program limits.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• 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