Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Eligible candidates must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit an 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 completing the application review. 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. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Foreign Education: If completed outside the U.S., the education must be deemed at least equivalent to a U.S. conventional program by a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign credentials. Foreign baccalaureate degree graduates may be accepted when either: Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable agency and the degree is deemed equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science program, or a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT states the individual is eligible to take the certification examination. Certification: Candidates must meet one of the following options: Generalist certification as an MLS by ASCP BOC or AMT. Generalist certification as an MT by ASCP BOC or AMT. Categorical or specialist certification by ASCP or AMT (not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the certification). Qualification for the grade level and assignment may require meeting additional criteria as described in the VA Qualification Standard. Grade Determinations For supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist – GS‑13: Assignments above the FPL: higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, and range of variety, performed by the CLS at least 25% of the time. Candidates must have at least 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. The supervisory CLS has full supervisory responsibility in a laboratory meeting at least three of the following conditions: (A) Lab complexity index group 1 or 2 per OPES VHA Facility Complexity Model. (B) Performs at least one million standard billable tests annually. (C) Supervises a staff of non-supervisory personnel including at least one GS‑12 subordinate. (D) Lack of on‑site pathologist. (E) Oversees more than one laboratory specialty. Physical Requirements Regular standing and walking between laboratory areas. Operating microscope or computer, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision, ability to sit and concentrate for long periods. Intermittent moderate lifting (15–44 lb), light carrying (under 15 lb). Use of fingers; both hands required. Intermittent stooping and kneeling. Reading and comprehending ordinary text and computer screens. Hearing, including with hearing aid; working in constant noise environment. Working closely with others; high cognitive function in fast‑paced environment with competing priorities. Emotional stability for maintaining self‑control under stress. Duties Supervises the Hematology‑Coagulation and Urinalysis sections of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. Oversees daily operation, ensuring agency policies and priorities are followed and all specimens are processed, assayed, and results released efficiently. Develops and communicates performance standards, evaluates subordinates’ work performance. Prepares work schedules, assigns duties to ensure timely performance of all tests. Provides advice, counsel, and instruction on work and administrative matters. Responds to and resolves minor employee complaints; refers more serious complaints to Lab Manager or Director. Initiates progressive disciplinary actions as needed and informs laboratory management of disciplinary action taken. Reviews and approves leave requests, ensuring adequate coverage. Conducts interviews for staff positions and recommends appointments, promotions, and reassignments; performs reference checks and hiring procedures. Identifies training needs, evaluates processes, and identifies ways to improve efficiency, production, cost‑effectiveness, and quality. Acts as Contracting Officer’s Representative, maintaining required contracts within the section. Solves problems independently while transferring responsibility only when justified. Maintains a positive, team‑oriented attitude and supports coworkers. Collaborates with others, responds and adapts to new processes, procedures, or equipment; willing to make changes to improve service. Maintains accountability for tracking all patient test results, slides, and paperwork according to policies. Provides professional training to new employees, students, medical students, residents, providers, nursing, and other healthcare employees. Maintains training manuals and documentation for each employee; ensures certification is maintained per regulatory and medical center requirements. Directs and conducts verifications and validations for new instrumentation, equipment, reagents, or tests introduced into the laboratory. Work Schedule 0730 – 1600 (7:30 am – 4:00 pm) Monday – Friday. Benefits Competitive salary with regular increases. Paid Time Off: 37–50 days per year (13–26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. 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 eligible costs, maximum $416.66 per month. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contributions by VA. Health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care insurance (many federal programs can be carried into retirement). Telework: Not available; this is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 93416‑0. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io for questions/assistance. #J-18808-Ljbffr