Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager)

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.

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager) serves in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at VA Palo Alto Health Care System. The incumbent provides authoritative advice and consultation on laboratory information systems (LIS) and their integration with the hospital information system (HIS). The incumbent develops policies and procedures, implements laboratory software and interfaces, maintains system functionality, and supports regulatory compliance, data security, and accurate laboratory operations. The incumbent independently plans and carries out assignments under the general direction of the Laboratory Manager and collaborates with laboratory supervisors, clinical pathologists, and other members of the laboratory management team. Duties/Tasks include, but are not limited to, the following: - Develops and recommends policies and procedures for the installation and use of the LIS in conjunction with the HIS, including Laboratory Electronic Data Interchange (LEDI) interfaces with reference laboratories and other VA facilities and laboratory label printers. - Provides authoritative advice and consultation to organizational levels on the functions, capabilities, and use of laboratory computer information systems. - Analyzes emerging trends, software, and technology; implements new computer technology, programs, and patches to meet agency requirements and local program needs. - Serves as the local expert for national software developers in testing and validating laboratory software packages. - Establishes and maintains laboratory computer test files for all sections of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service and trains staff in their use. - Assesses and implements interface connectivity to support accurate, automated transmission of laboratory data. - Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording, considering applicable compliance principles. - Maintains laboratory computer operations, written procedures, and documentation in accordance with accreditation and regulatory requirements; performs information-system audits as needed. - Performs day-to-day laboratory computer operations, troubleshoots computer problems and variances, and resolves errors in accordance with established protocols or accepted laboratory practice. - Coordinates with Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) Clinical Applications Coordinators to address Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) laboratory needs and issues. - Provides consultation and training to personnel on computer functions, including laboratory ordering options, and maintains computer security keys. - Protects sensitive printed and electronic information from unauthorized access, release, loss, alteration, or deletion; follows data security procedures and provides staff training. - Independently plans and organizes work, establishes priorities, and collaborates with laboratory personnel and management to support accurate and efficient patient testing services. - Communicates courteously and respectfully with patients, staff, and other customers; provides consistent information and resolves problems constructively. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00-4:30 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 V21CCOEEDRP@va.gov, 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 #: 10449F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.