Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Responsibilities Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Microbiology) GS-12 Assignment: This is considered the full performance level for a Lead Medical Technologist position. An MT/CLS at this level facilitates the Microbiology (inclusive of Mycobacteriology) section's processes by working in collaboration with the team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals, needs, and achievements of the section are coordinated with management. The incumbent acts as the Microbiology laboratory liaison to other sections or the laboratory service, and other departments in the medical center. The incumbent works in collaboration with the Specimen processing supervisor and provides direction to medical technicians, health care technicians in specimen collection, specimen processing and accessioning, and quality control activities of the Microbiology section. The lead Medical Technologist works collaboratively with the Microbiology Supervisor to assure compliance with accrediting agency and regulatory requirements; establishing and monitoring the quality of both analytical and pre-analytical processes as part of the overall laboratory quality management program, and assures corrective action is initiated as needed. The Lead Medical Technologist, Microbiology, assures orientation and competency of assigned staff, including identification and arrangement of continuing education and training needs. The Lead Medical Technologist is responsible for preparation and yearly updating of assigned Microbiology Procedures and position descriptions. These are reviewed and approved by the Microbiology Supervisor and the Laboratory Manager. In the absence of the Microbiology Supervisor the incumbent serves as the Microbiology Supervisor with the responsibility for providing the full range of supervisory duties for this section of the laboratory, including responsibility for assignment of work performed; scheduling of work days and hours; makes recommendations for performance evaluations; makes recommendations for appointment, awards, advancement, and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions. The Technical functions are defined as assisting the Microbiology Supervisor with their solid knowledge base in Microbiology laboratory procedures, to respond appropriately to requests, provide technical information and assistance to other technologists. The administrative duties are defined as coordinating inventory and ordering of supplies, assisting with updating / correcting Policies and Procedures, proposing schedules, providing input regarding individual staff competency. The Regulatory Compliance / Quality functions are defined as maintaining QC/QA documentation, assisting the Microbiology Supervisor with updating / correcting Policies and Procedures to remain in compliance with the various regulatory agencies such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the Joint Commission on Accreditation Hospital Organization. The incumbent works to ensure the function, and performance of the Microbiology Section. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F08020 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN1EDRPSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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: 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 with38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). 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). Exception for Non-Certified: (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 4 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. Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Foreign Graduates: 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: 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 The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination. NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed. 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 Determinations: Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Microbiology) GS-12 Experience: 1 year of creditable experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) is required for all GS-12 assignments. Assignment: 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 Clinical Laboratory Scientist (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; 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. The Lead CLS is responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty, including assignment of work responsibilities, workload management, and completion of assignments for staff at or above the FPL as well as preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of 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 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 to follow when results or samples obtained are unacceptable, and coordinating or performing quality control reviews and method verification activities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair laboratory instrumentation. Ability to develop procedures for new tests, and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. 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. Functions include but are not limited to the following description: A. TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent plans and directs the daily activity of the Microbiology laboratory, coordinating technical procedures and reagent preparation, providing technical instruction and training in techniques, instrumentation and organization of work, ensuring that policies and procedures are followed, and when necessary performing any tests. Accepts referrals of abnormal or unusual results and observations and advises on course of action to follow when results obtained are unacceptable. Examines functions of instruments, rechecks conditions of test performance, and evaluates techniques utilized. Is responsible for evaluating the final results and determining if the work-up of complex cultures is sufficient B. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent carries out a wide range of administrative functions, under the direction of the Microbiology Supervisor. The incumbent oversees technical and administrative functions in the absence of the Microbiology Supervisor. The incumbent assigns work equitably and prioritizes workload for the technical staff of the Microbiology Laboratory. Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of Microbiology experience preferred. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.