QUALIFICATIONS

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.
• 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. NOTE: The Supervisory CLS (Laboratory Director), GS-15, requires unique education requirements. Please reference the education requirements located in that assignment below.
• Certification: 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.
• 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).

Grade Determinations:

• General. For all GS-13 assignments above the FPL, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) 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.
• Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-13 assignments.
• Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-13. The CLS has full supervisory responsibility in a laboratory where at least three of the five following conditions are met outlined below in (A) - (E).
• (A) Lab is a complexity level index group 1 or 2 based on the Hospital Complexity Level as designated in Office of Productivity, Efficiency, and Staffing (OPES) VHA Facility Complexity Model History.
• (B) The laboratory performs at least one million standard billable tests annually (as reported to the Laboratory Management Index Program).
• (C) The CLS supervises a staff of non-supervisory personnel including at least one GS-12 subordinate.
• (D) Lack of on-site pathologist.
• (E) Oversight of more than one laboratory specialty.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
• (A) Knowledge of Federal and state laws and regulations, laboratory accrediting, and regulatory requirements to develop new policies and guidelines, formulate plans, and judge effectiveness of the operation
• (B) Knowledge of laboratory quality management procedures and principles sufficient to establish and monitor a laboratory quality management program and/or the education and training of laboratory staff.
• (C) Skill in interpersonal relations and conflict resolution.
• (D) Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties, which includes responsibility for assignment of work to be performed, performance evaluations, selection of staff, recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions.
• (E) Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient laboratory operation.
• (F) Ability to manage fiscal matters, forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget.
• (G) Ability to set short and/or long-term goals for the section and conduct studies on technical and administrative problems including personnel shortages, organizational structure, and new technology.
• Assignment. For all supervisory assignments, the CLS must spend 25% or more of their time providing administrative and technical supervision and perform major duties above those at the FPL that consist of significant scope, complexity, difficulty, and variety. The CLS must supervise at least one staff member at the GS-12 grade level. The supervisory CLS exercises a full range of supervisory responsibilities in planning, directing, and assessing work of subordinate staff. The supervisory CLS recommends appointments, awards, advancement, and disciplinary actions. The CLS plans and assigns work based on priorities, requirements of assignments, and abilities of employees; provides advice and counsel; and evaluates work of subordinates. The supervisor ensures compliance with accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements and establishes and monitors the quality of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes, initiating corrective actions as needed as part of the overall laboratory quality management program. The supervisory CLS plans and executes performance and quality improvement projects. The supervisory CLS verifies orientation, training, and competency assessment of assigned staff and develops and updates technical policies and procedure manuals. The supervisory CLS ensures all staff and affiliate staff comply with accrediting and regulating bodies. The supervisory CLS adjusts staffing levels or work procedures to accommodate resource allocation decisions made at the executive level. This individual manages document control, develops performance standards, position descriptions, and functional statements and is responsible for technical and administrative management of an assigned area including budget execution. The supervisory CLS interacts with administrative and clinical onsite personnel and exercises significant independent decision-making authority. The supervisory CLS maintains effective interdisciplinary and interprofessional relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals.

Preferred Experience: Three or more years of advanced experience in hematology, body fluids, coagulation studies, and urinalysis. Previous supervisory experience is also preferred.and troubleshooting, organism identification, development of antibiograms, and test system validation processes.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.
The work involves long periods of moving about the work unit. The work requires regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, lifting, and repositioning and transferring patients. Incumbent may be exposed to patients who are combative, secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders and patients who require restraints. The incumbent must be a mature, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, demonstrating cheerfulness, compassion, courtesy, and concern. Must be quick and dependable in taking emergency action in using initiative to prevent accidents.

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/.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. YOUR APPLICATION, RESUME, C.V., AND/OR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION WILL BE VERIFIED. PLEASE FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

• Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• License
• Other (1)
• Other (2)
• Other (3)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/29/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12761410.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help

DUTIES

https://www.youtube.com/embed/LM35k1p_3Tc

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Responsible for hematology and front-end areas of the laboratory
• Advanced knowledge of Federal and state laws and regulations, laboratory accrediting and regulatory requirements to develop new policies and guidelines, formulate plans and the ability to judge effectiveness of the operation.
• Knowledge and ability to manage fiscal matters of the functions supervised, forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget.
• Sets short and/or long-term goals for the section and conducts studies on technical and administrative problems, including personnel shortages, organizational structure, new technology, etc.
• Position requires writing multiple documents, reading/writing email communications, answering phone calls, speaking with physicians and nurses, and interactions with VA personal throughout the facility daily that reflect the VA core values.
• Skilled in interpersonal relations and conflict resolution to deal with employees, team leaders, and managers and handle disciplinary action when needed.
• Request staffing for their area, complete recruiting documents, perform interviews, hire staff, and oversee orientation, training, retraining, continuing education, and competency (initial and ongoing).
• Responds to PATS-R reports, product recalls, variances, JPSRs, staff errors, variances, complaints and other assigned tasks that pertain to their section of oversight.
• Assign and monitor six-month linearity studies, method comparison, carryover studies, and dilutor checks.
• Oversees the inventory and ordering of departmental supplies and works with logistics to ensure adequate inventory levels to run their respective departments.
• Review maintenance and quality control records. Quality control studies will be thoroughly analyzed for shifts and trends and corrective action implemented when needed.
• Ensure the completion and submission of proficiency testing samples within their respective area. Incumbent will respond to failed PT submissions, oversee retesting of samples, and implement corrective action when needed.
• Provides consultation with laboratory staff regarding abnormal or unusual results and advises on appropriate course of action.
• Exhibits the ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient overall laboratory operation.
• Identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of the data and ensures the validity of data in relation to the test systems.
• Ensures corrective action is initiated and documented when test performance deviates from established performance specifications for materials, equipment, and other resources that prevent accurate results from entering the patient chart.
• Knowledgeable in all the elements of the quality management (QM) program of the laboratory especially as it pertains to their section and performs and submits documentation of QM review annually. Creates, applies, and monitors reengineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives, both within the program and/or the organization.
• Reviews or creates & publishes for the section all procedures, policies, and forms required and can edit and reprint documents using current standards of document format, maintenance, and control. This includes management of all electronic and paper files. If new requirements are introduced, technologist advises the rest of the technical staff about changes required. This includes active review of all methods and procedures in-use, to assure best practices are maintained.
• Responsible for final review of any documents created by assigned staff.
• Assists management in ensuring staff compliance to all laws, policies, precedents, regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements.
• Ensures staff compliance to all safety rules and regulations. At time of installation of new department analyzers, the incumbent works with vendor staff on method validation and crossover studies.
• Evaluates data and documentation for accreditation requirement adequacy.
• Oversees day to day operations of highly complex test performance.
• Organizes workload and staffing to assure maximum efficiency and coverage.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible:Compressed schedules will be considered
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 60698-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• License
• Other (1)
• Other (2)
• Other (3)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcrip

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/29/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12761410.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• License
• Other (1)
• Other (2)
• Other (3)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcrip