Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Quality Manager)

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

In addition to the duties and functions of a Full Performance Level Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), the incumbent serves as the Quality Manager for the Service. The Quality Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring quality management programs to ensure laboratory services meet all regulatory and accreditation standards. They lead quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives, analyze data to identify trends and drive corrective actions, and oversee document control and proficiency testing programs. Duties include, but not limited to: Develops, implements, reviews, and facilitates the planning of quality management policies and procedures for the laboratory. Measures physician, nursing, and patient satisfaction with laboratory services. Evaluates and implements new techniques/procedures, including development of validation plans using statistical methods. Identifies areas requiring improvement or deficiencies, proposes solutions, develops implementation plans, monitors progress, and evaluates outcomes. Formulates measures for data collection and analysis to assist or correct problem areas. Advises laboratory management on quality management concerns impacting other services and assists with follow-up. Applies statistical evaluation and analysis to QA data; performs trend analysis, standard deviation, and corrective actions as indicated. Responds to national accreditation agencies {including VHA Clinical Laboratory Scientist Quality and Compliance Agent), VISN inquiries, surveys, and questionnaires. Acts as Laboratory Safety Officer; maintains safety, chemical hygiene, and infection control policies. Provides education and training to all laboratory staff in technical competencies, including data collection, analysis, and relevant statistical methods. Maintains competency in at least one laboratory section (Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology/Molecular, Point of Care Testing) and performs testing as assigned. Ensures compliance and documentation of accreditation requirements (CAP, TJC, FDA, etc.). Manages proficiency testing programs and coordinates analysis of survey data. Provides quarterly and/or annual quality reports to the Chief, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Pathology Laboratory Manager. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 07:30am-4:00pm with occasional weekends and holidays; Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01596-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Christopher.Billiot@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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 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.