Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Manager)

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: 1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 2. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 3. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. 4.

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 Determination: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.

Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Manager), GS-13: Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-13 assignments Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of regulatory, licensing, accrediting agency requirements and statutes governing clinical laboratory operations used in planning, implementing, and monitoring laboratory programs and services Skill in problem solving and applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to measure and improve program effectiveness and/or organizational productivity Skill to develop new or modified work methods, organizational structures, records and files, management processes, and staffing patterns Skill in administrative management such as budgeting, contracting, procurement, and property management in accordance with VHA regulations Ability to balance administrative and clinical functions to coordinate and manage programs and resources Ability to plan and execute short-range and long-range programs and/or goals through project management and tactical/strategic planning Ability to effectively communicate, orally and in writing, technical information with a wide variety of individuals including senior managers in a medical center or health care setting or higher-level managers in regional or national offices (for example, VISN-level staff and VHA Central Office staff) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13 Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: The work involves regular and recurring exposure to potentially irritating and volatile organic solutions and infections materials. Adherence to safety and universal precautions and use of protective gear such as laboratory coats, fume hoods, safety goggles and gloves are required to reduce occupational risk factors. Work is performed in a laboratory setting; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.