Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator)

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Salary Range: $116033 - $150846 Per Year

Job Summary: This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Major Duties:

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include, but not limited to: The incumbent will perform duties in the Philadelphia VAMC Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service which performs of 2.5 million tests, at a 1B complexity level hospital. The incumbent is a qualified, experienced Clinical Laboratory Scientist who serves as an Ancillary Testing Coordinator (ATC) for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS). Ancillary Testing (AT) is defined as laboratory testing or services performed outside the physical facilities of the main clinical laboratory within a VA Medical Center or its outreach functions at the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC). Ancillary testing at this VA includes but not limited to: Whole Blood Glucose, PT/INR, Activated Clotting Time, Co-Oximetry, Crystal Analysis, Fecal Occult Blood, Urine HCG, Urine Dip Stick, and Physician Performed Testing (KOH, Vaginal Wet Mount, and Gastric Occult Blood.) As the Ancillary Testing Coordinator (ATC), the incumbent serves as a technical advisor to all ancillary testing sites and ensure that requirements of accrediting and regulatory agencies are met. This assignment requires specialized training, knowledge, and experience above the full performance level. Incumbent must have advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of a multidisciplinary environment. The incumbent will have wide latitude for exercising independent judgment with scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety of duties and responsibilities. (80%) Acts as a technical supervisor for quality control, records control, proficiency testing, inspection, and accreditation for Ancillary Testing on a hospital-wide basis and oversees the safe and accurate testing of outreach function patients in the clinic. Develops a documentation plan for all Ancillary Testing sites as part of the Quality Management Plan. Coordinates within the medical center, the identification of the type and location of all Ancillary Testing sites including bedside testing sites and their designated directors within the medical center. Coordinates with the Chiefs of all clinical services that have Ancillary Testing sites, annual estimate on the number and types of Ancillary Testing instrumentation and methods that are used in these locations. Assesses data needed, designs data collection procedures, identifies quality assurance monitors and indicators, and reviews all data analyzed with the Supervisor, Lab Manager, Section Chief, CLIA director and/or Chief and Designee, P&LMS. Performs statistical analysis (variations, standard deviation, and trend analysis) on quality control and quality assurance data collected to identify, document, and take corrective action and keep the hierarchy informed. Implements and monitors protocols established in VHA Handbook 1106.01, Chapter 8, "Ancillary Testing", for quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, linearity, instrument maintenance, and user competency for all testing. Assures compliance with the following patient test management requirements: detailed written or electronic test requisitions; a recording system for specimens submitted that documents each step-in processing and testing patient specimens; adequate systems to report test results in a timely, accurate, and reliable manner; and an adequate system governing the maintenance, timing, and storage of test reports. Assures that all Ancillary Testing performed in the Medial Center and at CBOC's is in full compliance with CAP, TJC, and VHA Handbook 1106.01, requirements for safety and quality assurance. Consults with program managers or equivalent of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods. Monitors all glucose testing daily making sure that nurses are performing quality control, reporting critical results, and documenting the physician notification in CPRS of all critical glucose results using the "Critical Result Call Back Note". Trouble shoots and gives support to each area when there is trouble with any Ancillary Testing instrument. Performs all training and evaluates the competency of a variety of individuals (physicians, residents, RNs, LPNs, Health Techs) in the performance of Ancillary Testing procedures and in the reporting of test results promptly, accurately, and proficiently. Develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials and other program materials, which ensure accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies concerning patient testing. Other duties as assigned as Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) and when needed. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800-1630 with rotating weekends and holidays. Telework: Not authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Qualifications: Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. 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. NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer). Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or be changed to a lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) If an assignment above the FPL requires an additional certification over and above the basic requirements, employees must meet the assignment-specific requirement before they can be promoted. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified. Assignments. For all GS-12 assignments above the FPL, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the CLS at least 25% of the time. Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments. Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator), GS-12. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (A) Knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight and guidance for testing programs outside of the laboratory. (B) Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement. (C) Knowledge of Federal, state, and VHA laws, regulations, reference standards, and certifying or accrediting agency requirements to carry out work in each ancillary testing site. (D) Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity. (E) Skill in applying new scientific/technological developments and theories to laboratory testing. (F) Ability to evaluate, interpret, and teach others to use quality control procedures and implement corrective actions. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: At least 5 years experience in a clinical laboratory setting and 6 months in a point of care testing role. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 pounds, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to four hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.

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 03/24/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12905698. 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: 2026-03-24