Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Regional Technical Specialist)

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Regional Technical Specialist)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Hines, Illinois

Salary Range: $127097 - $165229 Per Year

Job Summary: The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Regional Technical Specialist) position is located at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, 5000 S 5th Avenue, Hines, IL 60141.

Major Duties:

• This position serves as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) - Regional Technical Specialist for the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) and provides consultative services to management at all levels of the organization, advising on various aspects of specialized testing, coordinating VISN or multi-facility specialized services, developing new policies and procedures, conducts studies, recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area, analyzes emerging trends, technology, and adopts appropriate methods, and responsible for oversight of laboratory information systems at all VISN 12 sites. Duties include, but not limited to: Plans data collection and analysis, implementation of performance improvement initiatives, and re-monitoring outcome measures for various quality monitors in the laboratory. Analyzes emerging trends, software, and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals. Assists with the National Enforcement Program inspections. Assists in CAP/JC inspection readiness preparation and in the inspection process itself. Serves as the VISN expert for national software developers for testing and validating software packages. Ensures VISN wide compliance with regulatory agency requirements as related to information systems, and performs audits as needed. Ensures laboratory adheres to all practices and regulations relating to Quality, including data collection, analysis, and graphic depictions of data when appropriate. Compiles and analyzes the data for P&LM performance measures and monitors as necessary and requested by the work groups needing data such as turnaround times. Manages the collection and interpretation of data for hospital and VISN QA programs and Performance Improvement (PI) initiatives and at the request of laboratory management. Participates as a member of the Laboratory Leadership Team. Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988. Provides instruction and coordination of teaching activities for Medical Technology students in order to fulfill the requirements of a NAACLS accredited CLS Program. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Fulltime; Monday - Friday; 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 08061F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Qualifications: Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Education (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED): A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below. (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT. (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT. (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. GS-13 Grade Requirements: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified. Specialized Experience: Must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12), which is directly related to the position to be filled. Examples include, but are not limited to: Knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, and pertinent statistics sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests; Instructing newly hired clinical laboratory scientists and clinical pathology residents in proper performance of tests and applications of laboratory procedures; Advise on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses and analyzes emerging trends and technology to adopt appropriate methods and testing; Providing guidance and technical direction to accomplish the work of a clinical laboratory and specific sections; Develop policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing; Training and competency assessment of staff and students within the area assigned. GS-13 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, concepts, principles, and practices of medical technology sufficient to perform the full range of duties involved in planning, coordinating, and evaluating laboratory services. Knowledge of compliance requirements sufficient to provide direction for complex diagnostic testing. Knowledge of laboratory information systems to accomplish diagnostic laboratory work and quality assurance. Skill in evaluating, interpreting, and teaching others to use quality control procedures to monitor variables that affect quality of services and implement corrective actions. Ability to apply laws, policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing. Ability to develop new test procedures and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 13. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

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 11/20/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12825816. 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.

Application Deadline: 2025-11-20