Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Description:

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

Requirements:

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.
• English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f)
• United States Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f)
• Education. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
  • TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION.
    • 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:
      • 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
      • The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.
      • TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION.
    • Certification: Candidates must meet ONE of the certification options below.
    • Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT OR
    • Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR 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. 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 meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-13

Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13.

AND
GS-14 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs on their resume and in their experience:

• Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodologies of a major clinical laboratory program and operations to assess program effectiveness and provide authoritative guidance for operations, personnel, and management.
• Skill in administrative management such as budgeting, contracting, procurement, and property management in accordance with organizational (for example, VHA) regulations.
• Ability to collaborate with other departments and upper management in a medical center or health care setting or higher-level managers in regional or national offices such as VISN-level staff and VHA Central Office staff.
• Ability to plan and execute short- and long-range programs and/or goals through project management and tactical/ strategic planning.
• Ability to provide advisory, planning, and surveillance services to clinicians, laboratory directors, and supervisors on FORMER VA HANDBOOK REFERENCE: Part II Appendix G24 EFFECTIVE DATE: December 3, 2024 24 specific functions, programs, or problems that are particularly difficult, widespread, or persistent.
• Ability to solve complex problems involving unique or controversial aspects of medical technology or laboratory management, new or unconventional methods, program changes or conflicts between scientific/technological requirements and regulatory or program requirements.
• Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties including responsibility for assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, and recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions.

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-14 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of to GS-14 .

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting of 15-44 pounds, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking 4-8 hours, standing 4-8 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, and use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include vision for both eyes, depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, and the ability to read ordinary type without strain. The incumbent must have adequate hearing (aids permitted), and the emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.