U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · 20 hours ago
Clinical Lab Scientist (Send Outs)
Indianapolis, IN
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$89K/yr - $116K/yr
1+ years expThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Clinical Lab Scientist to evaluate specimens for analysis and ensure accurate processing according to established procedures. The role involves maintaining communication with reference laboratories, managing supplies, and ensuring compliance with laboratory policies.
GovernmentMedicalNational SecurityPublic Safety
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Evaluates the suitability of each specimen for analysis - requesting a new specimen if determined to be unusable
Prepares specimen for analysis according to established procedures
Follows established procedure for handling of mislabeled - unlabeled - or unsuitable specimens
Ensures acceptable orders have been placed by a provider and accurately accessions and receives specimens - maintaining correct patient identification throughout each phase of processing - analysis - and resulting
Evaluates the validity of the data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures
Correlates quantitative data with patient data (e.g. - history - medications) as necessary to verify results
Prepares specimens for pick-up or shipment as appropriate - following all regulatory guidelines - policies - and procedures
Receives reference laboratory reports - enters and verifies the results into the laboratory computer system in a timely manner
Maintains open communication with reference laboratories' customer service and information departments to troubleshoot any problems within the system or missing samples
Monitors reference laboratory communications to stay apprised of changes in methodology - test codes - pricing or other test information and responds accordingly to ensure continuity of test availability
Provides professional and technical advice to phlebotomists - other laboratory staff - and medical staff regarding referral testing procedures and the laboratory's esoteric testing menu
Utilizes system for ordering send-out supplies such as special collection containers - special media - aliquot tubes - shipping bags - labels - forms - etc
Maintains a list and inventory of supplies for the section to ensure adequate supplies are available and makes emergency orders when appropriate
Escalates supply deficiencies that may result in inability to collect or perform testing
Maintains accountability for tracking of all patient tests results having an important public health component - as required by law
Promptly reports all variances - incidents - and/or deviations from policy as required and in accordance with policies and procedures
Answers and appropriately and professionally addresses any incoming inquiries to the laboratory - whether via phone - electronic communications - or in-person communications
May perform the processing - ordering - packaging - shipping - and resulting of testing sent to reference laboratories
Maintains accountability for tracking of all patient test results - specimens - and paperwork appropriately and according to all applicable policies and procedures
Reviews and investigates delta checks - flags - alerts - etc and performs additional testing to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results
Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly and follows the proper laboratory and medical center policies
Qualification
Required
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.7403(f)
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Candidates must meet one of the certification options below: Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT, Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT, Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT, May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS9-Developmental) OR Must have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related science
Knowledge of professional clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories that support sound, independent work
Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
Skill in informatics, laboratory data flow, and laboratory processes
Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation
Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions
Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service, and patient education
The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tests, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center
The work involves sitting at a microscope or computer, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time
Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), use of fingers, both hands required, intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling, ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens, ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise, working closely with others, high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy, emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations
Benefits
Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program
Competitive salary and regular salary increases
37-50 days of annual paid time off per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Company
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Helga Rippen
Chief Interoperability and Veteran Access Officer
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