Supervisory Clinical Lab Scientist

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Candidates must meet specific VHA policy eligibility requirements and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. Award amounts (up to $200,000) and eligibility periods (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after a complete review of the application. Qualifications Applicants pending 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 be appointed only when no qualified citizens are available. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Certification: candidates must meet one of the following options: (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 or specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable only for higher‑graded positions within the relevant lab section or for non‑section specific assignments (e.g., Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Officer). Grandfathering Provision: Employees already in a VHA occupation under the current permanent placement are considered to have met all qualification requirements for their grade and assignment, including education and certification where applicable. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Grade Determinations Candidates seeking GS‑13 supervisory positions must meet the following criteria: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Full supervisory responsibility in a laboratory meeting at least three of the following conditions: A laboratory complexity level index group 1 or 2 (OPES VHA Facility Complexity Model). At least one million standard billable tests performed annually. Supervision of a staff including at least one GS‑12 subordinate. Absence of an on‑site pathologist. Oversight of more than one laboratory specialty. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of federal and state laws, laboratory quality management procedures, interpersonal relations, supervisory duties, organizational problem‑solving, fiscal management, goal setting, and technical policy development. Duties Responsible for all aspects of operation in their specialty area, including assignment of work, workload management, record preparation, testing methodology analysis, training, instrumentation, and compliance. Act as liaison to supervisors and other departments for laboratory specialty coordination. Communicate organizational strategic plans, mission, vision, and values; distribute tasks; coach; and facilitate problem‑solving. Prepare reports, maintain records, resolve informal complaints, report performance and training needs. Plan and schedule ongoing work; adjust staffing and procedures as needed. Choose methods to achieve work goals and objectives; manage day‑to‑day supervision of complex tests; monitor analyses and ensure performance standards; initiate corrective action when deviations occur. Ensure staff orientation, training, and competency assessment; plan and execute performance and quality improvement projects. Collaborate with other sections/services for quality improvement projects and processes. Perform full range of supervisory duties: appoint, plan, evaluate staff; verify competency; develop and update technical policies and procedure manuals; ensure compliance with accrediting bodies. Manage document control, performance standards, position descriptions, and budgeting for the assigned area. Interact with administrative and clinical personnel; exercise independent decision‑making authority. Other duties as assigned. Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 0800‑1630. Telework not authorized. Position is not virtual. #J-18808-Ljbffr