Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet eligibility requirements by 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 are ineligible apply.

Qualifications

This is above full performance level so educational - and certification is required.

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
• Education
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Certification
• Candidates must meet one of the certification options below
• 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
• English Language Proficiency
• Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified
• GS-12 Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Experience
• Applicants must have one full year credible experience equivalent to the next lower grade level required for all GS-12 assignments
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice
• Skill to maintain - troubleshoot - and repair laboratory instrumentation
• Ability to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations
• Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section
• Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training
• Ability to provide guidance and technical direction to a wide variety of individuals including physicians - nurses - and other clinical staff regarding technical aspects of testing - specimen requirements and results
• Preferred Experience: Preferred experience in Chemistry automation
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Minimal standing - bending - lifting 25lbs (reagent boxes) and walking.

Duties

• MAJOR DUTIES: Orientation and evaluating the competency of assigned staff including identification of continuing education and training needs
• Coordinating daily activity of the lab sections
• Writing - or modifying technical procedures
• Providing technical instruction
• Ensuring that policies - procedures - and regulatory requirements are followed
• Advising on course of action to follow when results or samples obtained are unacceptable
• Coordinating or performing quality control reviews and method verification activities
• Communicates the organization's strategic plan - mission - vision - and values
• Identifies - distributes - balances work - coaches - and facilitates with problem solving methods
• Prepare reports and maintain records of work status
• Resolves simple - informal complaints
• Reports on performance - progress - and training needs of the team and on behavioral problems
• Provides information on promotions - reassignment - recognition of outstanding performance - and personnel needs
• Responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty - including assignment of work responsibilities - workload management - and completion of assignments for staff at or above the FPL
• Preparation and maintenance of records and reports - analysis of testing methodologies - training - instrumentation - and compliance
• May act as a liaison to the supervisor and other departments/divisions of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty
• Administratively responsible to the Laboratory Manager
• Provides first line supervision to Medical Technologists/Clinical Laboratory Scientist and Medical Laboratory Technicians
• Responsible for informing the Laboratory Manager of controversial matters and potential changes in these areas
• Meets the needs of all customers while supporting the Medical Center and Service missions
• Consistently communicates and treats customers (patients - visitors - volunteers - and all Medical Center staff) in a courteous - tactful - and respectful manner
• Provides care and/or services appropriate to the age of the patients being served - and which is appropriate to the cognitive
• emotional - and chronological maturation of the patient
• Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately
• Assesses data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age specific needs and provides care needed as described in the services' policies and procedures
• Ensure staff receive training in these categories
• Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws - federal regulations - VA statutes and policy - and VHA guidelines
• Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss - alteration - or unauthorized deletion
• Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files - release of access codes - etc. - as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Some weekends/holidays
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact (isamar.salo@va.gov) - and (keele.adams@va.gov) - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• 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 #: 517-25086-F