Supervisory Medical Technologist

Summary The incumbent serves as a Supervisory Medical Technologist in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Program with the responsibility for all testing services in the Clinical Testing Unit, Blood Bank, Microbiology and Phlebotomy at the Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) on 2nd and 3rd shift. The incumbent is required to work irregular hours of duty on a recurrent basis. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to: The incumbents primary focus is the supervision of the day-to-day operations on 2nd and 3rd shift. The incumbent is responsible for preparing and communicating staff performance ratings, making recommendations for step promotions and incentive awards. The incumbent is also responsible for taking disciplinary action when appropriate. The incumbent is a leave-approving official with the responsibility of scheduling the staff and monitoring time and attendance. The incumbent monitors the performance of the staff with respect to the quality of the testing, turnaround time of testing services, and adherence to standard operating procedures. The incumbent is accountable for the effective functioning of the night and evening shifts encompassing the entire Clinical Testing Unit, Phlebotomy, and Microbiology. The incumbent plans, organizes and directs day-to-day operation of the sections, assuring adequate staffing, and efficient work performance. The incumbent promotes the cross training of CTU personnel to utilize the available staff in the most efficient manner. Bench Technologist Duties Follows prescribed procedures, performs any tests in the unit to which the incumbent is temporarily or permanently assigned; collects (by venipuncture) and prepares human samples for analysis; responds to time factor to ensure that the physiologic state of specimens is maintained; evaluates requested procedures to determine the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requests new specimen if determined to be unusable; prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the properties is maintained; prepares reagents and primary reference material; selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of non-routine and specialized test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Plays a role in establishing and developing the testing and examination procedures carried out in the laboratory; solves testing problems, suggests solutions to testing problems, and performs newer/more complex tests and examinations; participates in process improvement, data driven decision making, and team driven change to continuously improve operations; is responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system; plans and carries out the successive steps of testing procedures in multiple areas/Sections, and independently handles problems and deviations in the work assignment in accordance with established protocols, previous training, or accepted laboratory practices. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures; correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e. history, medications), to verify results; performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results; and recognizes abnormal results which require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly; maintains appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of the Section. 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; assists in writing and updating procedure manuals in the Section; assists in evaluating and implementing the use of new methodologies and instrumentation in the Section; identifies training needs appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed; calibrates, standardizes, and adjusts instruments; verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks; and identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs; maintains knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of concepts principles, and methodology of the field to perform concepts, and methods of medical technology, and skill in applying this knowledge in performing/monitoring the full range of specialized tests and non routine procedures for which there are standard methods and techniques. Work Schedule: Telework: AD-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92990-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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: 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: Medical Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with Chapter 2, Section D, paragraph 5a. Certification: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS give by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. Education and/or Experience Combination: A bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.); AND Completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree; OR A bachelors degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics; AND Two (2) years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory; OR A bachelors degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics; AND Five (5) years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraph 2b(2) or (3) above. This finding may be based on either of the following:(1) A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individuals foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree.(2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination.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 for GS-12: Experience: Must have one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11), which is directly related to the position to be filled. Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience or education requirement above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of Federal and state laws and regulations, laboratory accrediting and 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. Knowledge of, and 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 overall laboratory operation. Skill in interpersonal relations and conflict resolution to deal with employees, team leaders and managers. 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, new technology, etc. Preferred Experience: Three (3) years of Supervisory experience, Lead experience or Quality Management experience as a Medical Technologist. References: VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24 This vacancy is being announced above the full performance level as a GS-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational and Health 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 applicants 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.