Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Regional Technical Specialist)

Summary

The purpose of this position is to serve as Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Regional Technical Specialist, Quality Management (QM) assigned to P&LMS at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and Clinics. The CLS Regional Technical Specialist, QM serves as a recognized expert and provides consultative services to management at all levels of the organization advising on various aspects of specialized testing.

Duties

Major Duties: Education of staff on Quality, HRO principles, Performance, and Process Improvement principles including flow charting and value stream mapping, Lean principles, identifying variability, tracking supply and demand and then reduce demand. Developing training programs that focus on enabling operational leaders to achieve strategic and annual operating goals aligned with the organization's Management and Leadership systems must apply good judgment and originality to modify established production and quality verification concepts or criteria to fit the particular situation. Monitors quality measures and activities of the laboratory to determine conformance with established policies, regulatory or accreditation requirements; and makes recommendations for appropriate corrective action and follow-up as necessary. Assists supervisors in compliance with all T JC and CAP guidelines and regulations to assure readiness for accreditation inspections. Works across laboratory sections to assure P&LMS performance measures are met. Creates and applies reengineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives, both within the laboratory and/or the organization. Maintains a laboratory performance improvement program and ensures measurement of performance monitors and customer feedback. Serves as the laboratory Performance Improvement Committee Coordinator. Implements effective processes and system controls to ensure the highest possible product quality, service quality, and patient safety. Plans, provides timely reports, and presentations of the annual Laboratory Pl Plan. Utilize various methods of Performance/Process Improvement: Lean Principles Plan-Do-Study-Act model of performance improvement Root Cause Analysis Customer Satisfaction Measurement Systems (surveys). Develops tracking/monitoring methods and data collection. Collaborates with other in research activities to improve care. Utilizing a wide range of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques in providing consultation for the Service Chief, Administrative Office, and the Laboratory Manager. With approval of P&LMS Chief or Supervisor, participates in medical center and network initiatives as appropriate, and represent service when on committees, task forces and work groups including facility quality management hospital Pl projects (RPI, RCA, Quali-TEA). Develops methods for quantitative, statistical, or graphic display of data. Prepares and presents evaluations/analysis, conclusions, and recommendation for corrective action plans to management and or appropriate committees. Serves on multiple Service, Hospital, and VA committees. Develops and presents briefings and reports on study/project status to all levels of management and staff with the approval of P&LMS Leadership. Responds to Service questions and requests for information, interprets data and provides background data regarding systems determinant studies. Incumbent along with Lab Leadership develops mutually acceptable projects, which typically includes identification of the work to be done, scope of the project, and timeliness for completion. Within the parameters of the approved project, the Incumbent is responsible for leading a team in planning and organizing the study, estimation of costs, coordination of staff and management and overseeing all phases and aspects of the project. The Incumbent informs the Supervisor of controversial findings, issues, or problems with widespread impact. Completed projects, evaluation, reports, and recommendations are reported to Lab Leadership to assure compatibility or organization goals, guidelines, and effectiveness in achieving intended objectives. Maintains a laboratory performance improvement (Pl) program for the Pathology and Laboratory Department and ensures monitoring of components and customer feedback to: Schedule, prepare and conduct Pl meetings at least monthly. Prepare and route meeting minutes within 5 days for review and approval throughout the approval chain. Prepare the quarterly and annual quality improvement summary reports for JAHVH, NPR, Lakeland, and Temple Terrace facilities and present to all staff by the 15th of each month. Implement effective processes and system controls to ensure the highest possible product quality, service quality, and patient safety. Detect and prevent errors in laboratory practice and conduct root cause analysis investigations to improve processes. Reduce process variations between JAHVH, NPR, Lakeland, and Temple Terrace facilities which can cause errors and ensure standardized processes throughout the laboratory system. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Ad-hoc only. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 72096F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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 examination. 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.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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/.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/21/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13054250. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Professional Certification The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) 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. Professional Certification SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.