This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
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: Clinical Laboratory Scientists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, 5a, and in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education-Transcripts submitted. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. NOTE: The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director), GS-15, requires unique education requirements. Please reference the education requirements located in that assignment below. 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 the Certification requirement below automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed. Certification-Documentation 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. 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. GS-12 Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Experience. For all GS-12 assignments above the Full Performance Level (GS-11), For all supervisory assignments, the CLS must spend 25% or more of their time providing administrative and technical supervision and perform major duties above those at the FPL that consist of significant scope, complexity, difficulty, and variety. NOTE: One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) is required for all GS-12 assignments. GS-12 Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of Federal and state laws and regulations and laboratory accrediting agency regulatory requirements sufficient to develop plans and procedures for the laboratory. Knowledge of laboratory quality management procedures and principles sufficient to establish and monitor a laboratory quality management program and/or the education and training of laboratory staff. Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methods of clinical laboratory technology and operations. Skill in applying leadership principles such as interpersonal relations and conflict resolution. Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties, which includes responsibility for assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions. Ability to plan, organize, set short and/or long-term goals, and conduct studies on technical and administrative problems including personnel shortages, organizational structure, and new technology. Ability to manage fiscal matters, forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget. Assignment. Please see the CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD - GS-0644 for a detailed description of this assignment. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit the CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD - GS-0644. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
The Orlando VA Healthcare System is seeking an experienced Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS). The Supervisory CLS is responsible for the technical, professional, and administrative oversight of operations, as well as for maintaining effective interdepartmental relations within the Clinical Laboratory Specimen Collection/Phlebotomy Processing Section at the main Hospital Medical Center Facility. Duties/Task but not limited too: The individual ensures compliance with accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements. The Supervisory CLS is responsible for professional and administrative oversight of operations, including fiscal and resource management. The Supervisory CLS maintains effective interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals Supervise a large staff of non-supervisory personnel. Carries out full administrative and operations responsibilities of the Specimen Collection/Phlebotomy and Processing. Recommends appointment, adjust staffing levels, plans, and assigns work, gives advice and counsel, and evaluates work of subordinates. Responsible for monitoring test analyses, specimen collection patient education/instructions and specimen examinations to ensure acceptable levels of performance. Assures corrective action is initiated when test performance deviates from established performance specifications and/or nonconformance events. Plans and schedule Clinical Laboratory Scientist and Medical Laboratory Technician staff in advance to ensure quality during specimen collection service and adequate patient waiting times. Evaluate and effectively manage medical laboratory technicians leave requests in a timely manner. Works with the Lead Medical Laboratory Technician to plan the daily work schedule and staff. Reviews and optimizes workflow efficiency for Specimen Collection/Phlebotomy and Processing section. Responsible of implementing, assessing, and monitoring quality control program, quality assurance, staff competency and training program. Responsible for the compliance of VHA, CAP, EPA, OSHA and Joint Commission for the sections under his/her supervision. Works with the clinic's managers to meet their needs for phlebotomy. Is responsible for monitoring specimen collection, identification, and sample integrity. Ensures that all orders for special tests are collected when ordered and works closely with the Send Out staff and all other laboratory sections' supervisors to ensure this is done correctly. Communicates effectively and courteously and provides excellent customer service towards VA staff, surveyors/auditors, patients, and caregivers. Troubleshoots any problem specimens such as mislabeled or missing specimens and any pre-analytical errors. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00pm. The tour of duty covers the first shift of a busy medium sized 24 hour Hospital Laboratory. The incumbent may need to work weekends, holidays and/or extended hours coverage based on facility needs. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Jamie Wunsch at V8_EDRP_Orlando@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 80191F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized