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. 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.
Summary
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. 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.
This position serves as the supervisory medical technologist for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) which includes the following clinical departments: Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Microbiology. In this capacity, he/she provides administrative support and staff assistance to the Chief Medical Technologist, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service who reports to the Chief, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. The incumbent's major and significantly diverse responsibilities: management, coordination, and performance evaluation of all non-pathologist P&LMS staff members at the Ernest Childers VA Health Care Center (THCC) Laboratory services.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Directs the operation of a Laboratory services at CBOC locations.
Provides first line supervision to staff within the THCC Laboratory services including GS-5 Medical Technicians and GS-11 Lead and GS-9 non-supervisory Medical Technologists.
Develops position descriptions, functional statements, and performance standards for the above personnel, and conducts the annual performance rating of those staff. Serves as the approving official of performance plans and/or annual performance appraisals for the above personnel.
Plans programs to be accomplished by subordinates, sets priorities and schedules for work completion. Control of work is accomplished using subsection supervisory personnel, such as Chemistry, Hematology, etc. Renders decisions on work problems as presented by supervisory and non-supervisory personnel.
Assigns and prioritizes work to subordinates, based on difficulty and requirements of assignments.
Gives advice, counsel, and instruction to supervisory personnel and other individuals on both work and administrative matters. Advises the Chief Medical Technologist of PALMS on problems of the units supervised that affect other services and the impact it may have on them.
Interviews candidates for positions in PALMS and selects for appointment. Assures that all new personnel receive both the clinic and laboratory orientation. Makes recommendations for selection and promotion of personnel.
Counsels and resolves complaints from employees, individually or as a group, not resolved at the level of the unit, such as Hematology, Chemistry, etc. Oversees all disciplinary cases in the department as well as recommends action on cases. Participates in the resolution of Union and EEO complaints within Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service.
Identifies training needs of employees such as orientation training for new employees and competency retraining by consulting with section supervisors. Recommends continuing education training modules, and assures that all supervisors, office personnel, and phlebotomists complete the required hours of mandatory training required by the VA.
Schedules and participates in periodic service meetings and routine management meetings to encourage unit communication and coordination. Oversees the design and execution of the P&LMS comprehensive quality assurance program including focus on pre and post analytical specimen monitors, monitors for all major laboratory testing sections.
Acts as a consultant to the Chief, PALMS regarding implementation of programs/policies initiated by the Chief. Prepares funding and staffing requests to appropriate committees while serving in this capacity.
Recommends improvements in the overall efficiency and functioning of PALMS and identifies ways to
improve service delivery. Acts as a consultant to the Chief, PALMS and staff pathologists regarding management decisions that may affect service function.
Advises the Chief, PALMS on safety issues within the service and ensures that all employees attend safety orientations. Ensures that all accident forms are submitted in a timely manner. Ensures that all employees participate in fire, safety, and emergency preparedness drills as appropriate and provides personal protective equipment for employees.
Coordinates service preparation for external reviews which include TJC, AABB, CAP, FDA, etc., which includes completing survey questionnaires, updating and revising appropriate policies, and assuring that departmental records are accurate and maintained appropriately.
Work Schedule: FT, Mon - Fri, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 623-55826-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Yes. Please contact EDRP Coordinator, Shannon "Shane" Glover @ Shannon.Glover1@va.gov Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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 examination.
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 pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
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 and/or Experience Combination
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
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
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.
Certification. Candidates must have either: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ADCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT.
For positions up to the full-performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such a but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e.g., an individual with a chemistry (c) certification can only perform duties in chemistry).
English Language Proficiency. MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
Grade Determinations: GS-12 Experience.
Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11), which is directly related to the position to be filled. Supervisory Technologist.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Knowledge of Federal and state laws and regulations, laboratory accrediting and regulatory requirements in order to develop new policies and guidelines, formulate plans and the ability to judge effectiveness of the operation.
Knowledge of laboratory quality management procedures and principles sufficient to establish and monitor a laboratory quality management program and/or education and training of laboratory staff.
Knowledge of, and ability to, provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluations; selection of staff; recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions.
Ability to analyze organizational, technical and administrative problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient overall laboratory operation.
Skill in interpersonal relations and conflict resolution to deal with employees, team leaders and managers.
Ability to manage fiscal matters, forecast resource and equipment needs and administer the allocated budget.
Ability to set short and/or long term goals for the section and conduct studies on technical and administrative problems, including personnel shortages, organizational structure, new technology, etc.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G24
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 40 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (up to 8 hours), standing (up to 8 hours), near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), depth perception.
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
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, 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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
ALTHOUGH NOT REQUIRED IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT APPLICANTS USE THE USAJOBS.GOV RESUME BUILDER.
1. REQUIRED: Resume or CV. Your resume must have the following information for each position you have held, job title, duties, dates of employment including month and year start/end dates, and full-time or part-time status with the number of hours worked each week. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
2. REQUIRED: Copy of transcripts is required with conferred degree stated. Unofficial copy is acceptable for application purposes, however official copy will be confirmed prior to appointment.
3. REQUIRED: Copy of any related licensure, certification and/or registration with expiration date. 4. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: VA-FORM 10-2850c Application Associated Health Occupations. The VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf 5. REQUIRED (If Applicable): Copy of SF-50 Notice of Personnel Action. Please submit your most current SF-50. It must show your job title, series, current grade and step and appointment type to verify status.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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
10-2850c
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 02/28/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11760479.
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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Jack C Montgomery VA Medical Center
1011 Honor Heights Drive
Muskogee, OK 74401
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
ALTHOUGH NOT REQUIRED IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT APPLICANTS USE THE USAJOBS.GOV RESUME BUILDER.
1. REQUIRED: Resume or CV. Your resume must have the following information for each position you have held, job title, duties, dates of employment including month and year start/end dates, and full-time or part-time status with the number of hours worked each week. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
2. REQUIRED: Copy of transcripts is required with conferred degree stated. Unofficial copy is acceptable for application purposes, however official copy will be confirmed prior to appointment.
3. REQUIRED: Copy of any related licensure, certification and/or registration with expiration date. 4. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: VA-FORM 10-2850c Application Associated Health Occupations. The VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf 5. REQUIRED (If Applicable): Copy of SF-50 Notice of Personnel Action. Please submit your most current SF-50. It must show your job title, series, current grade and step and appointment type to verify status.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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
10-2850c
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 02/28/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11760479.
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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Jack C Montgomery VA Medical Center
1011 Honor Heights Drive
Muskogee, OK 74401
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
