Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies, and all US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Duties include but are not limited to:

• A Lead Medical Laboratory Technician has specialized training and experience. The Lead MLT independently perform duties of significant scope and complexity and assist with technician oversight. Individual provides direction to the daily operations and assume responsibility for integrating and monitoring standard laboratory protocols to maintain continuous workflow and quality within the section. Incumbent performs the below duties at least 25 percent of the time.
• Facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals, and achievements are coordinated with management.- Responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty, including assignment of work responsibilities, workload management, and completion of assignments for staff.
• Prepares and maintains records and reports, training, and compliance.
• Acts as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty.
• Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge.- Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique controversial aspects of the testing where no direct precedent exists.
• Maintains process control through a multifaceted quality assurance program.
• Prepares and presents work-related information to the supervisor and upper management.
• Performs quality assurance monitors, and research data in the appropriate laboratory specialty area.
• Modifies or writes technical procedures, providing technical instruction ensuring that policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements are followed. Evaluates the competency of assigned staff including identification or continuing education and training needs.
• Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation. Is responsible for evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation and automation.
• Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP, TJC, OSHA, and the National Enforcement Office.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00am to 5:00pm, Rotating weekends and Holidays.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
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 #: 55082-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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. Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification.
• Certification. (1) Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations.

(a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

1. ASCP, Board of Certification. OR
2. ASCP, Board of Registry.

(b) American Medical Technologists. OR

(c) American Association of Bioanalysts.

Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign MLT programs are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a current certification.

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:
Lead Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-07

(a) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of techniques to instruct students and newly hired staff to properly perform tests and application of laboratory procedures.
• Skill in conducting laboratory procurement procedures to maintain appropriate levels of reagent and supply inventories.
• Ability to provide technical oversight to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload.
• Ability to plan staff training to address needs.

(c) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Lead MLTs independently perform duties of significant scope and complexity and assist with technician oversight. Lead MLTs lead three or more lab support positions, provide direction to the daily operations and assume responsibility for integrating and monitoring standard laboratory protocols to maintain continuous workflow and quality within the unit. Lead MLTs must do a combination of at least three of the following duties: prepare work schedules and assign tasks to ensure timely completion of duties; ensure laboratory resources are in optimal working condition and address workflow needs; provide guidance and support of the work unit in supervisory absence; train personnel (including students) in methods, procedures and use of equipment and instruments specific to the assigned area; provide input to supervisor on performance and training needs of employees; adjust work assignments due to absences or changes in priorities; resolve simple, informal complaints of employees and patients, refer more difficult problems to the supervisor; and recommend approval and/or disapproval of leave requests.


Preferred Experience:

• One year credible experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician at the GS-06 level or higher
• Training past entry level Associates Degree
• 4 years experience processing laboratory specimens including clinical, surgical and anatomic specimens
• 4 years of experience processing, shipping, and resulting reference lab specimens

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-07

Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds, Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (1 -2 hours); Standing (1 hours); Depth perception; Ability to distinguish colors; Hearing (aid permitted)

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, resume, 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.