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. 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.

Duties

General Description: This position is a senior level position that supports laboratory staff in delivery of patient care services. 75% of the time, the incumbent works in the Quality Manager role and provides authoritative consultative services to management at all levels of the organization as it applies to quality management in a clinical laboratory setting. Develops and maintains the laboratory's quality management program in compliance with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) requirements and ensures monitoring of components and customer feedback. Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of the collected data. Monitors laboratory quality control systems and performance indicators. Interacts with management officials and vendors providing inter-laboratory quality assurance and laboratory proficiency testing. Develops validation plans for equipment and methodology evaluations and evaluates statistical data collected. Responsible for laboratory continuous readiness for regulating agency inspections such as The Joint Commission and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). 25% of the time, the incumbent works in the Laboratory Information Manager (LIM) role in which s/he manages operations and maintenance of the laboratory information system (LIS) in conjunction with the overall hospital information system (HIS). The LIM provides authoritative advice and consultation on the information system as they apply to the clinical laboratory. The LIM advises all organizational levels within the medical center on functions and capabilities of the LIS. S/he implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording with consideration to compliance principles. This position is located within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services (PALMS) department of the Roseburg VA HealthCare System. Demonstrated Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: In addition to required core competencies, must demonstrate the following: Advanced knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of medical technology sufficient to assess and monitor quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing in all areas of the laboratory. Knowledge of quality management standards, including preventive maintenance, testing procedures, inspection, accreditation, and continuous quality improvement. Knowledge of regulatory, licensing, and accrediting agency requirements, and statutes governing clinical laboratory operations to use in planning, implementing, and monitoring laboratory programs and services. Knowledge and skill in management/administration, which includes program planning, coordination, interpretation, consultation, problem solving, formulation of policy and guidelines, and monitoring of laboratory programs. Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, and to work collaboratively with other disciplines, senior VHA managers in the medical center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) level staff, and VHA Central Office staff. Comprehensive knowledge of safety practices and regulations. Comprehensive knowledge to apply new scientific/technological developments and theories to laboratory testing and a grasp of complex laboratory testing issues. Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement. Knowledge of the types of surveillance needed to monitor variables that affect quality of services and skill in evaluating, interpreting, and teaching others to use quality control procedures and implementing corrective actions. Knowledge of federal, VHA, and state laws and regulations, reference standards, medico-legal responsibilities, and certifying and accrediting agency requirements to carry out the work in each ancillary testing site. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0800-1630 or 4 10hour shifts with weekend coverage. Telework: Available, Pending Supervisor approval Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Relocation authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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 and/or Experience Combination (1) A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.). AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. Certification. Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below: (1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. (2) For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry). 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). Grade Determinations: Experience is only creditable if it is equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and is directly related to the position being filled. GS-12 (a) Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. (b) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Candidates at this grade level are in one of the following assignments: Laboratory Information Manager. The incumbent develops and recommends new policies and procedures regarding the installation and use of the laboratory information system (LIS) in conjunction with the overall hospital information system (HIS). Provides authoritative advice and consultation on the information system as they apply to the clinical laboratory. Advises all organizational levels on functions and capabilities of the LIS. Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing and workload recording taking into account compliance principles. Analyzes emerging trends, software and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals. Serves as the local expert for national software developers for the testing and validation of software packages. Responsible for compliance with regulatory agency requirements as related to information systems and performs audits as needed. Provides consultation and training of personnel on computer functions, including ordering options, and responsible for the maintenance of computer security keys. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: a. Knowledge of concepts, principles and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems. b. Knowledge and understanding of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization sufficient to provide advisory, inspection, training and problem-solving services on specific projects, programs or functions. c. Ability to adapt, implement, and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software. d. Knowledge of laboratory computer system analysis, program techniques, computer language, and program design sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system. e. Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. f. Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions. Preferred Experience: ???????1 year experience laboratory exp. in the last 5 years References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary, although there may be some walking or standing, carrying of light items such as manuals, supplies, and small instruments. Bending, standing, squatting, and sitting can be expected.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Roseburg VA Medical Center 913 Northwest Garden Valley Boulevard Roseburg, OR 97471 US
• Name: Caleb Stone
• Phone: 208-422-1315
• Email: [email protected]