Massachusetts Healthcare Jobs

Summary The Ancillary Testing Coordinator (ATC) assists the Laboratory Manager in oversight of the ancillary testing program for the Bedford VA Healthcare System for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS). This is a full time position at 40 hours per week. Responsibilities Recommends, develops, writes and implements policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary or point-of-care testing equipment and instrumentation (Testing outside the main laboratory as mandated by Handbook 1106.1). Ensures the appropriate correlation among different instrumentation and methodologies. Validates all new testing procedures prior to implementation of tests to the facility. Trains, evaluates and documents the competency of a variety of individuals (physicians, mid-level practitioners, nurses, and other hospital staff as appropriate) in the performance of ancillary testing procedures and in the reporting of test results promptly, accurately, and proficiently. Educates hospital staff on laboratory policies and procedures when assigned by the Laboratory Manger Chief, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS). Serves as a recognized technical expert (technical consultant or technical supervisor as mandated by CLIA) to provide authoritative laboratory advice and ancillary testing program consultation in areas of quality control/assurance, records control, proficiency testing, inspection, and accreditation to all levels of the organization. Evaluates ancillary testing activities to assess ongoing day-to-day compliance with established protocols and guidelines. Recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies and improve the program. Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of the data and ensures the integrity of data in relation to the test systems. - Consults with all levels of management within clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods. Identifies, defines, and independently resolves problems associated with unique or controversial aspects of the ancillary testing management program where no direct precedent exists. Develops technical bulletins, procedures, training materials and other program materials, to ensure accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies concerning patient testing, result reporting, and proficiency testing. Develops and implements corrective action when deficiencies are identified. Manages ancillary testing inventory and orders supplies as needed. Submits an annual budget and forecast to Laboratory Manager. Provides cost-saving information and suggestions on improving efficiencies to Laboratory Manager. - Reviews ancillary testing data on an on-going basis and ensures compliance with facility performance measures and monitors. Submits a monthly report on ancillary testing activities to Laboratory Medical Director and Laboratory Manager. Develops, recommends and writes new policies and procedures regarding the installation and use of the laboratory information system (LIS) or the hospital information system (HIS). - Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording systems. Implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing, and workload recording systems. Analyzes emerging trends, software, and technology and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals. - Advise all organizational levels on various aspects of the functions and capabilities of the information system. . Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30pm Compressed Schedule: Tour options available. Telework: Limited Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F03990 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required NOTIFICATIONS: This position is an National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit positions. The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and Community-based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) This position is in the Excepted Service. Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Applicants must be fully qualified by the closing date of this announcement. 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. Proficiency in written and spoken English Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), or Clinical Laboratory Supervisor (CLS) given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), ASCP Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR), or American Medical Technologists (AMT). 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. OR, (2) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR, (3) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. 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. Grade Determinations: This position is above the full performance level. To meet the qualifications for the GS-12 Laboratory Information Manager (LIM) the applicant must have the following: One (1) year of credible experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS 11, which is directly related to the position to be filled. In addition to the experience or education, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices and methodologies sufficient to perform the full range of maintenance of technical, quality assurance and safety accreditation/testing programs. Skill in applying 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, ability to collect data necessary 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, regulations, reference standards, medicolegal responsibilities, and certifying and accrediting agency requirements in order to carry out the work in each ancillary testing site. Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity. Preferred experience: Prior hospital laboratory experience, either in a work environment or school internship environment. Must be able to work independently. References: VA Handbook, 5005, Part II, Appendix G-24 dated May 12, 2014 Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending and stress and strain related to meeting the demands of the Medical Staff of an acute care hospital. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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. VA may offer newly appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service. 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. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.