Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens. - First Consideration will be given to Current Permanent Employees of the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS). NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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The Orlando VA Healthcare System is looking for an experienced Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) to join their Pathology and Laboratory Section at the Daytona Beach VA Clinic.

The Lead CLS works independently and carries out the day-to-day laboratory operations on any assigned tour of duty. The incumbent develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements.

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Lead CLS) is a qualified and experienced CLS who facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals, and achievements are coordinated with management. The incumbent must have advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance.

• Solves complex problems related to generalist bench rotation coverage, performs complex maintenance procedures, may attend vendor training for an analytical instrument, is consulted as the in-house expert for troubleshooting, has responsibility for instrument reagent management program, and is able to recognize system failures that may lead to erroneous results.
• Coordinates training in the methods and techniques of the appropriate laboratory specialty area.
• Provides effective and professional training to newly hired CLS staff, students, and other clinical staff on the theoretical and practical aspects of clinical laboratory specialties and in unique handling of specimens and testing procedures. Stays abreast of new developments and changes in the profession.
• Performs quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Responsible for review of quality control and problem resolution in assigned department.
• Assists in investigation of complaints from hospital staff concerning test results.
• Oversees the operation of assigned department by coordinating technologist assignments assuring that all workload and maintenance is completed in a timely manner. Assigns and prioritizes work based on workload and requirements of assignment.
• Aids supervisor with the development, implementation, and reassessment of the testing personnel competency program.
• Assists supervisor with departmental needs for laboratory accreditation and serves as the point-of-contact for regulatory inspections.
• Oversees the daily work of Clinical Laboratory Scientist and/or Medical Laboratory Technicians (ML Ts Title Hybrid 38 and Title 5 phlebotomists), as directed.
• Prepares reports, maintains records, administrative information, and presents work ­related information to supervisor.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. (Extended hours based on service/facility needs)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 80315F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact V8_EDRP_Orlando@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

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

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.

English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

Education-Transcripts submitted: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

• 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

NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed.

Certification - Documentation must be submitted.
(1) 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.

NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer). 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 the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.

Assignments. For all GS-12 assignments above the FPL, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the CLS at least 25% of the time. Candidates at this grade level are in one of the following assignments.
Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments.

Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-12.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate 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: Three years previous Generalist Laboratory experience, to include chemistry, immunology, microbiology, hematology, coagulation, body fluids and urinalysis.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: Physical Demands: 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 15-50 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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Area of Consideration. Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other VA employees.
3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
4. All other applicants.

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.