Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Summary 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. Qualifications 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 in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a related science such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc. Certification: Candidates must meet one of the following certification 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; may qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard (only applicable to current VHA employees) Grade determination: GS‑12 Lead Clinical Laboratory Specialist (1) assignments For all GS‑12 assignments above the FPL, the higher‑level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, and range of variety and be performed by the CLS at least 25% of the time Candidates at this grade level are in one of the following assignments (2) Experience – one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS‑12 assignments Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): (A) Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice (B) Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation (C) Ability to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems in complex and difficult situations (D) Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section (E) Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training (F) 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 For all lead assignments, the individual must spend at least 25% or more of their time performing lead duties over staff one grade level below The Lead 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 The Lead CLS resolves simple, informal complaints The Lead CLS reports performance, progress, training needs of the team, and behavioral issues The Lead CLS provides information on promotions, reassignments, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs The Lead CLS is responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty, including assigning work responsibilities, workload management, and completing assignments for staff at or above the FPL as well as preparing and maintaining records and reports, analyzing 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 Duties may include, but are not limited to: orientation and evaluating the competency of assigned staff, identifying continuing education and training needs, coordinating daily activity of the lab section(s), writing or modifying technical procedures, providing technical instruction, ensuring that policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements are followed Preferred experience: CLS/MLS licensure required Prior experience with laboratory leadership and quality control preferred Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑12 Physical requirements – refer to VA Directive & Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements Duties Total rewards of a allied health professional – major duties include, but are not limited to the following: The CLS spends 25% or more of their time performing lead duties over staff one grade level below Communicates the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values to other staff Identifies, distributes, balances work, coaches, and facilitates with problem‑solving methods Prepares reports and maintains records of work status Resolves simple, informal complaints Reports performance, progress, and training needs of the team, and behavioral problems Provides information on promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs Responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty – including assignment of work responsibilities, workload management, and completion of assignments for staff Preparation and maintenance of records and reports – analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation, and compliance Acts as a liaison to the supervisor and other departments/divisions of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty Assists with orientation and evaluating the competency of assigned staff, including identification of continuing education and training needs, coordinating daily activity of the lab section(s), writing or modifying technical procedures, providing technical instruction, ensuring that policies, procedures and regulatory requirements are followed, advising on course of action for unacceptable results or samples, and coordinating or performing quality control reviews and method verification activities Develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results in line with current laboratory regulatory requirements Performs testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated methods Performs quality control and routine maintenance of instrumentation – including troubleshooting Correlates abnormal lab data with pathological states to determine the validity of test results – and the need for additional or repeat testing Monitors quality control systems and measures Collaborates in the diagnosis and treatment of patients Interacts with laboratory health care professionals and the public in a professional, courteous, and effective manner Provides education – as needed Assists with laboratory safety duties – analyzer oversight, quality control and quality assurance projects, supply/inventory control, completing laboratory competency assessments or proficiency/survey programs – as needed Assists with lab information management – as needed Other duties as assigned by the supervisor Work schedule: Tour of duty varies; typically Monday through Friday; possible Saturday rotation 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: View email address on click.appcast.io – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases; higher step rate may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (above minimum rate of the grade) Paid time off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time offered per year (13‑26 days of annual leave – 13 days of sick leave – 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience 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 401(k) 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: Available virtual – this is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 07470F – Permanent change of station (PCS): Not authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr