Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Area of Consideration: Open to Current, Permanent Path and Lab Employees of the Oscar G Johnson VA Medical Center.

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The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) communicates the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values. The Lead CLS identifies, distributes, balances work, coaches, and facilitates with problem solving methods. The Lead CLS prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves simple, informal complaints; reports performance, progress, and training needs of the team and on behavioral problems; and provides information on promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs. The Lead CLS is 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 as well as preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation, and compliance. The Lead CLS may act as a liaison to the supervisor and other departments/divisions of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty.

Major Duties:

• Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge. Examples are, but not limited to, molecular/DNA testing, bone marrow examination, genetic testing, and flow cytometry.
• Conducts studies and recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area. Recommends new/replacement instrumentation.
• Designs workflow to accomplish objectives in the clinical specialty area.
• Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of the specialized testing, including the appropriateness of specific tests and takes into consideration the clinical context and usefulness of the test information. Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses.
• Identifies training needs appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed.
• Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique or controversial aspects of the testing where no direct precedent exists.
• Accepts referrals of abnormal or unusual results, observations, problems, or issues from laboratory personnel of a technical or administrative nature and provides advice on course of action to be taken as well as monitors progress until problem/issue has been resolved.
• Conducts on-going reviews of work performed, workflow, equipment maintenance etc. within the various sections of P&LM that are under his/her direction.
• Plans, develops, modifies, implements, and coordinates quality control and preventive maintenance programs within P&LM to ensure that acceptable accreditation program requirements are being met.
• Conducts studies and recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area. Recommends new/replacement instrumentation.
• Analyzes emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods and testing.
• Applies laws, policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing.
• Maintains process control in a specialty area through a multifaceted quality assurance program.
• Prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves simple, informal complaints; reports performance, progress, and training needs of the team and on behavioral problems; and provides information on promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs.
• Assists with staff competency assessment as applicable.
• Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
• Assumes responsibility for the instruction and coordination of teaching activities for Medical Technology students in order to fulfill the requirements of a NMCLS-accredited CLS Program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday- Friday 7:00A- 3:30PM (Flexible/Compressed schedule available) with rotating weekends, on call, and Holidays.
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 06380F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
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 identification 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:

• Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).
• Education (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED):
  • A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Certification: Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.
  • (a) Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
  • (b) Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
  • (c) Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.

Grade Determinations:

• Experience:
  • In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11), which is directly related to the position to be filled.
• Your experience must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (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.

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 12.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

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.