To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 01/26/2026.
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship
Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)
Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a)
Education
A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Certification
Candidates must meet one of the certification options below
(a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT
(b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT
(c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT
NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held
Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer)
Foreign Education
To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials
Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following: (1) Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program
OR (2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
NOTE: Possession of a certification identified above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed
English Language Proficiency
Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f)
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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified
1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) is required for this GS-12 assignment
Experience includes independently carrying out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory
The CLS develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements
The work performed may be in a variety of laboratory specialties such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology
Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods
In addition to routine testing, the CLS conducts quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting
The CLS correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states, determines the validity of test results, and the need for additional tests
Specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects may include laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, primary operator on new test systems, quality control specialist, supply control, and/or coordinator for the laboratory competency assessment or proficiency/survey program
This assignment may include limited duties in areas such as lab information management and ancillary testing
These tasks require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision
The CLS assesses a situation, considers the options, and formulates an appropriate course of action
This assignment includes monitoring quality control systems and measures, collaborating in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and providing education for laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional, courteous, and effective manner
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of medical technology sufficient to perform the full range of duties involved in planning, coordinating, and evaluating laboratory services
Knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements pertaining to laboratory operations
Knowledge of laboratory operations and relationships to the organization
Skill in applying laboratory quality control/assurance policies, procedures, and principles and safety practices and regulations
Ability to apply quality management performance improvement principles, methodology, and processes to develop and manage a clinical laboratory quality management program
Ability to apply statistical evaluation and analysis to quality assurance data and implement corrective actions when indicated
Assignment
The CLS serves as a consultant, facilitator, trainer, and technical advisor to staff at all levels to ensure facility compliance with clinical laboratory accreditation and regulatory standards that include, but are not limited to, Joint Commission (JC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
The CLS ensures the laboratory maintains continuous readiness and supports the organization's performance improvement and patient safety programs
The CLS maintains a laboratory performance improvement program, ensures monitoring of components and customer feedback, and interacts with management officials and organizations involved in inter-laboratory quality assurance and proficiency testing
This individual develops, implements, and performs quality management policy review
The CLS advises lab management on quality management concerns that could impact other services and assists with the necessary follow ups
The CLS identifies current lab functions needing improvement and develops a plan with associated individuals to implement change and monitor improvement
The CLS uses comprehensive knowledge for statistical evaluation and analysis and understands laboratory operations and the laboratory's relationship to the organization
The CLS follows laboratory quality control/assurance practices based on policies, procedures, and principles
The individual evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures to address laboratory quality including development of validation plans in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.
