Lead Clinical Lab Scientist

Full Job Description

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (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.

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: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.).

Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). b. Education.

A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. NOTE: The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director), GS-15, requires unique education requirements.

Please reference the education requirements located in that assignment below. c. Certification. (1) Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.

(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 certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT. 2) Exception.

(a) Applicants who do not currently hold valid certification may be hired by VA and actively work toward their certification if they meet one of the routes identified in Appendix A that makes them eligible to take the MLS certification exam through the ASCP BOC or the MLS certification exam through AMT Certification Agency.

(b) Non-Certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment CLS under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2).

(c) Non-Certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified CLS at or above the FPL.

(d) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.

(e) Temporary appointments of non-certified CLS may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment. d. Grandfathering Provision.

Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable.

For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or be changed to a lower grade within the FORMER VA HANDBOOK REFERENCE: Part II Appendix G24 EFFECTIVE DATE: December 3, 2024 5 occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions.

(2) If an assignment above the FPL requires an additional certification over and above the basic requirements, employees must meet the assignment-specific requirement before they can be promoted.

(3) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.

(4) Employees retained in this occupation under this provision who subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.

(5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

e. 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. f.

English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). GRADE DETERMINATIONS.

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

1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) AND Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 relative to 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.

NOTE: Your experience must be fully documented on your, resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week.

References:VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II Appendix G24. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: The general physical requirements for a GS-644 clinical lab scientist (CLS) typically include, but are not limited to, the ability to stand for extended periods, reach, bend, stoop, twist and perform repetitive tasks; must have good handeye coordination, fine motor skills to handle delicate equipment, good vision to see details under a microscope, and the capacity to lift and move objects up to 45 pounds.

Ability to distinguish between colors. Major Duties:

Duties/Tasks - Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring special knowledge.

Examples are, but not limited to, molecular/DNA testing, bone marrow examination, genetic testing, and flow cytometry.

- Conducts studies and recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area. Recommends new/replacement instrumentation.

- Designs workflow to accomplish objectives in the clinical specialty area.

- Advises all organizational levels on various aspects of the specialized testing, including the appropriateness of specific tests and takes into consideration the clinical context and usefulness of the test information.

Advises on alternate testing to overcome ambiguities in the clinical diagnoses. - Identifies training needs appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed.

- Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique or controversial aspects of the testing where no direct precedent exists.

- Accepts referrals of abnormal or unusual results, observations, problems, or issues from laboratory personnel of a technical or administrative nature and provides advice on course of action to be taken as well as monitors progress until problem/issue has been resolved.

- Conducts on-going reviews of work performed, workflow, equipment maintenance etc. within the various sections of P&LM that are under his/her direction.

- Plans, develops, modifies, implements, and coordinates quality control and preventive maintenance programs within P&LM to ensure that acceptable accreditation program requirements are being met.

- Analyzes emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods and testing.

- Applies laws, policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain the specialized testing.

- Maintains process control in a specialty area through a multifaceted quality assurance program.

- Prepares reports and maintains records of work status; resolves simple, informal complaints; reports performance, progress, and training needs of the team and on behavioral problems; and provides information on promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, and personnel needs.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 0630-1500 with rotating weekends and holidays EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.

Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.

Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade 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 offer 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 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 #: 06380F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized