Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Job Details

Qualifications & Requirements

Basic Requirements: 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. (Must submit a copy of transcripts with application). CERTIFICATION: 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. (Must submit a copy of Certification) GS-13 Grade Determinations: Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. AND Knowledge, Skills, and Ability: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and laboratory accrediting/regulatory requirements in order to develop new policies and guidelines, formulate plans and the ability to judge effectiveness of the operation. Knowledge of laboratory quality management procedures and principles sufficient to establish and monitor a laboratory quality management program and/or education and training of laboratory staff; Skill in interpersonal relations and conflict resolution. Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluations; selection of staff; recommendation of awards, advancements and disciplinary actions. Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient laboratory operation. Ability to manage fiscal matters, forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget. 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. Physical Requirements: Incumbent must meet physical standards for the position. The work is normally completed in an indoor office setting. Incumbent is required to stand, bend, stoop, lift and kneel for long periods of time. He/she must also be able to lift heavy objects, climb ladders and stairs and maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations. Working in a clinical laboratory also involves regular and recurring risks to infectious substances and irritant reagents. Incumbent will be required to wear protective clothing and take safety precautions. A physical examination prior to placement is required. This is a designated drug testing position.

Position Overview

Serves as the Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the assigned section of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PLMS) for Transfusion Services (Blood Bank) in this level 1B, 3.5 million billable test per year, university-affiliated Medical Center. Responsible for the performance of the full range of transfusion services, technical, administrative, and supervisory duties required for the assigned section at the VA Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri.

Duties

• Responsible for the performance of the full range of technical, administrative, and supervisory duties required for the assigned section at the VA Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri. Utilizes developmental, evaluative, technical, and managerial skills for day-to-day operations and when making long term decisions or recommendations that affect the section. Advises the Medical Director and the Laboratory Manager of any testing problems to ensure compliance with accrediting and regulatory agency requirements. Duties of the Supervisory Laboratory Scientist include but are not limited to: Supervises laboratory personnel, performing the full range of first-line supervisory responsibilities, including work assignments, performance evaluations, hiring recommendations, leave approval, and employee development. Plans, schedules, and prioritizes laboratory operations while adjusting staffing and workflow to meet service demands. Oversees orientation, training, competency assessments, and continuing education to ensure staff maintain required technical proficiency Chooses methods for achieving work goals, objectives, and management strategies. - Assures orientation, training, and competency assessment of staff. - Inventories supplies and reagents and monitors expenditures in the section. Evaluates existing tests for cost-benefit and recommends sending out low-volume, high cost or labor-intensive testing as indicated. Justifies new instrumentation and methodologies. - Attends regularly scheduled meetings, such as Supervisors, Senior Staff and Supervisors, and Laboratory Safety Committee. Serves as acting Laboratory Manager when assigned. Assures staff compliance with accreditation agency, medical center and Service requirements for safety, chemical hygiene, emergency preparedness and occupational exposure. Plays a central role in establishing and developing the testing and examination procedures carried out in the laboratory. Solves testing problems, develops new solutions to testing problems, performs newer/more complex tests and examinations. Recognizes and defines testing problems and evaluates methods for solution. Evaluates guides or implements possible alternative approaches to standard methods. Determines procedures for tests to be performed in the unit. Develops and implements the use of protocols for performance of test and evaluation of results. Monitors conformity to protocols. Develops procedures and established parameters for correlation of test results and preset troubleshooting protocols. Assesses data needed, designs data collection procedures, identifies parameters and determines acceptable range for each parameter. Identifies control samples appropriate to monitor assays/procedures; establishes protocols for evaluating control sample value and defines action to be taken when control sample is outside limits. - Performs semiannual correlation studies on instrumentation, when applicable. - Establishes reference ranges. Validates procedures and equipment. - Ensures that data transmission and calculation validation checks are performed within stated timeframes. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00 pm EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Tracy Lowe @ [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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: Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized