United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
2
English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f)
3
Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
4
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
Grandfathering Provision: 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)
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: Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-12 Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required for all GS-12 assignments
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of Federal and state laws and regulations and laboratory accrediting agency regulatory requirements sufficient to develop plans and procedures for the laboratory
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
Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methods of clinical laboratory technology and operations
Skill in applying leadership principles such as interpersonal relations and conflict resolution
Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties, which includes responsibility for assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions
Ability to plan, organize, set short and/or long-term goals, and conduct studies on technical and administrative problems including personnel shortages, organizational structure, and new technology
Ability to manage fiscal matters, forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget
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
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
