Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Details

Posted: 19-Mar-25

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Internal Number: 833786400

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 4 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.

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

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Education
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 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
• 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)
• 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: Employees may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level - or be changed to a lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Grade Determinations: GS-12 Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist Experience
• 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) is required
• 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
• 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 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
• Preferred Experience: Blood banking experience
• 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-12
• Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs)
• As needed - Straight pulling - pushing - walking - standing - repeated bending - reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - both hands required
• both legs required
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• ability to see and distinguish depth perception - basic colors - and shades of colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• In addition - the ability to deal with constant noise - work around machinery with moving parts - work closely with others or alone and work protracted or irregular hours.
  
  

Duties

• Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Performs the full range of laboratory testing duties listed at the full performance level including duty on weekends and holidays
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment
• Uses - calibrates - identifies malfunctions - repairs and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction
• Assists the Supervisor in modifying existing procedures as new tests are brought on board and as testing requirements change
• Ensures that Document Control is up to date
• Participates in quality assurance efforts by indicating quality improvement indicators
• Develops a system to monitor indicators and recommends/implements corrective actions when indicated
• Gathers information for monthly Quality Assurance monitors
• Uses statistical programs to measure acceptability
• Reviews regulatory requirements for CAP - JCAHO - FDA - OSHA and AABB to ensure compliance
• Performs all needed maintenance and testing to ensure compliance to include - but not limited to pipette and balance maintenance - Analytical Measurement ranges - Reference Range studies - linearity studies and monthly reviews of charts
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
• Performs duties as the Contract Officer Representative for the department and accepts invoices in the IPPS system
• In the absence of the Supervisor - assigns - directs and reviews the work of other Medical Technologists in the department
• Communicates effectively - professionally and courteously verbally and in writing
• Gives direction and guidance using principles of laboratory testing
• Is responsible as a primary source of information for maintaining current instrumentation
• Is responsible for evaluation of new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation
• Is responsible for validation/ method verification of new instrumentation as it is brought on board
• Identifies training needs and provides appropriate training and competency as delegated by the Director of PALMS
• Performs retraining as needed
• Maintains documentation of supplies and inventory and ensures that all new lots of reagents are labeled properly and tested for acceptability
• Acts as a liaison to other departments and represents the laboratory in meetings
• Incumbent works with supervisor to arrive at solutions that minimizes organizational disruption on any job-related issues
• Readily accepts additional authority and responsibility during brief periods where immediate supervisor is away from the work site that assists the medical center to maintain consistent operations
• Work Schedule: Monday- Friday - 08:00am -04:30pm
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 93853A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov - for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
  
  

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