Clinical Lab Scientist (Technical Specialist)

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.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The incumbent is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Technical Specialist) serving in the department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) in the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System assigned to the Blood Bank. The CLS serves as a Transfusion Service Quality and Equipment Coordinator, providing expert authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique and/or emerging tests that require special knowledge. Duties or functions performed include but are not limited to: Provides expert authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique and/or emerging tests that require special knowledge.

Specialties include, but are not limited to, molecular pathology, gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, and flow cytometry. Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of specialized testing, including appropriateness that takes into consideration clinical context. Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses and analyzes emerging trends and technology to adopt appropriate methods and testing.

Develops policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing. Manages implementation of new equipment and procedures to include validation studies and writing operating procedures. Assumes responsibility for training and competency assessment of staff and students within the area assigned.

The technical specialist often works independently and is given freedom of action under the general guidance of a pathologist or other laboratory practitioner. Works as a bench Clinical Laboratory Scientist as needed and performs duties specifically assigned to FPL CLS's in the section (see Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-0644-11 functional statement). Work Schedule: The tour is 3:00 - 11:30 PM, rotating every other weekend and on holidays.

Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN9HREDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. 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.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 71010F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized