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. Program 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.
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. 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: (1) 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 (2) 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. 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 meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Manager), GS-14 Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-13 The supervisory CLS serves as the Laboratory Manager (Lab Manager) and shares with the chief of laboratory service/medical director full responsibility for managing and supervising all phases of laboratory service operations where at least three of the five following criteria are met outlined below in (A) - (E): (A) The Laboratory is a complexity level index group 1 or group 2based on the Hospital Complexity Level as designated in Office of Productivity, Efficiency, and Staffing (OPES) VHA Facility Complexity Model History. (B) The Laboratory performs at least one million standard billable tests annually (as reported to the Laboratory Management Index Program). (C) The CLS supervises a staff of non-supervisory and supervisory personnel including at least one GS-13subordinate. (D) Lack of on-site pathologist/Chief with oversight of a large staff(typically >20 employees). (E) The CLS oversees additional services (for example, Radiology, Sterile Processing, other). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (A) Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodologies of a major clinical laboratory program and operations to assess program effectiveness and provide authoritative guidance for operations, personnel, and management. (B) Skill in administrative management such as budgeting, contracting, procurement, and property management in accordance with organizational (for example, VHA)regulations. (C) Ability to collaborate with other departments and upper management in a medical center or health care setting or higher-level managers in regional or national offices such as VISN-level staff and VHA Central Office staff. (D) Ability to plan and execute short- and long-range programs and/or goals through project management and tactical/strategic planning. (E) Ability to provide advisory, planning, and surveillance services to clinicians, laboratory directors, and supervisors on specific functions, programs, or problems that are particularly difficult, widespread, or persistent. (F) Ability to solve complex problems involving unique or controversial aspects of medical technology or laboratory management, new or unconventional methods, program changes or conflicts between scientific/technological requirements and regulatory or program requirements. (G) Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties including responsibility for assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, and recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions. Assignment. The supervisory CLS serves as the Laboratory Manager (Lab Manager). 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. The CLS must supervise at least one staff member at the GS-13 grade level. The CLS exercises a full range of supervisory responsibilities in planning, directing, and assessing work of subordinate staff. The CLS provides guidance and serves as an authority and subject matter expert on laboratory medicine including research, agency policies, new techniques, and procedures. This individual develops guidelines, assesses laboratory effectiveness, and establishes and maintains quality assurance and quality management programs. The CLS consults with or serves as a consultant for local, network, and national programs and/or officials. The CLS manages regulatory affairs and compliance and develops and manages program budget and resource usage, inventory, acquisition, and contracting processes. They assist and participate in educational programs affiliated with institutions providing training for individuals in laboratory or other related medical fields of study. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit the https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-14. Physical Requirements: 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. Must be able to perform moderate lifting of 15-50 pounds, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above 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 both eyes, depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors and shades or colors, and the ability to ready ordinary type without strain. Must have adequate hearing (aids permitted), and the emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) serves as the Laboratory Manager (Lab Manager) and shares with the Chief of Laboratory Service/Medical Director full responsibility for managing and supervising all phases of laboratory service operations in a laboratory complexity level index group 1a based on the Hospital Complexity Level as designated in Office of Productivity, Efficiency, and Staffing (OPES) VHA Facility Complexity Model History at the Orlando VA Healthcare System. Required to know all concepts, principles, and methodologies of a major clinical laboratory program and operations to assess program effectiveness and provide authoritative guidance for operations, personnel, and management. Responsible for administrative management such as budgeting, contracting, procurement, and property management in accordance with VA regulations. Collaborates with other departments and upper management in a medical center or health care setting or higher level managers in regional or national offices such as VISN-level staff and VHA Central Office staff. Plans and executes short- and long-range programs and/or goals through project management and tactical/strategic planning. Provides advisory, planning, and surveillance services to clinicians, laboratory directors, and supervisors on specific functions, programs, or problems that are particularly difficult, widespread, or persistent. Solves complex problems involving unique or controversial aspects of medical technology or laboratory management, new or unconventional methods, program changes or conflicts between scientific/technological requirements and regulatory or program requirements. Provides the full range of supervisory duties including responsibility for assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, and recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions. Establishes and maintains quality assurance programs. Assures compliance with accreditation requirements and regulatory standards that include, but are not limited to, VHA National Enforcement Office (NEO), Joint Commission (JC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), AABB, and FDA. Serves as a consultant to local, network, and national program officials. Keeps abreast of current research, clinical methods, and technical advances in the field. Completes and maintains COR Level II certification and acts as COR/co-COR with Administrative Officer for P&LMS contracts. Oversees Equipment Inventory (EIL). Develops and integrates new techniques, and procedures into laboratory programs. Develops and manages program budget. Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively with other disciplines, upper management, VHA Central Office, and/or VISN level staff. Providers administrative oversight and section specific coverage during times of vacancies and staffing shortages. Works with other departments, VISN, and upper management to resolve complex issues, plan projects, plan & implement budgets, and strategic planning Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 08:00am - 4:30pm and 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 Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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) 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 #: 82396F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Clinical Laboratory Scientist: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technologist-Career-Flyer.pdf