Summary This position is located at the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System (VHACOS), Columbus, OH, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Services (P&LMS), and functions as Lead Technologist for specialty testing as assigned by the Core Laboratory Supervisor. Responsibilities The Lead Medical Technologist (LMT) works in collaboration with the Medical Technologist/Laboratory Information Systems Manager (LIM) and the Medical Technologist/Contracting Officer Representative Team to support the needs of the service. The Incumbent facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals, needs, and achievements are coordinated with management. Responsible for all aspects of operation In their area of specialty including preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation and compliance. The Lead exercises independent judgement within the scope of testing and performs high level duties of significant scope, complexity and range. Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty including preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation and compliance. Incumbent evaluates abnormal results, use and maintain equipment and implement, monitor and review daily / monthly liquid and electronic quality control. Provides professional and technical advice to other Health Professionals Provides Continuing Education for staff Acts as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty area Prepares reports, maintains records, administrative information Prepares and presents work-related information to supervisor Researches qualitative and quantitative methods in the appropriate laboratory specialty area Performs statistical analysis on quality control and quality assurance monitors Performs qualitative and quantitative moderate and complex testing methods in all the assigned laboratory specialty areas Coordinates training in the methods and techniques of the appropriate laboratory specialty area Maintains and calibrates instrumentation and equipment to ensure correct performance Troubleshoots instrumentation and equipment problems during the shift to ensure uninterrupted testing Evaluates new and evolving developments in laboratory instrumentation and automation Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP, TJC, AABB, NEO and OSHA Coordinates quality control activities with the supervisor Coordinates proficiency program for the appropriate laboratory specialty Performs other duties as assigned based on the needs of P&LMS. The Lead Medical Technologist (LMT) works in collaboration with the Medical Technologist/Laboratory Information Systems Manager (LIM) and the Laboratory Manager/ Contracting Officer Representative Team to support the needs of the service. A Lead Medical Technologist assignment requires specialized training and experience; Must have advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance and Have wide latitude for exercising independent judgment. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 10:00 - 1830 Saturday - Sunday 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, and rotating holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91685-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not 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 BASIC REQUIREMENTS: 1. United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. 2. English Language Proficiency: Medical Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, 5a. 3. Education and/or Experience Combination: In order to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must possess: (1) A bachelor's 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.) (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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- (2) A bachelor's 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 (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) AND Two 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- (3) A bachelor's 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, (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) AND five 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. 4. Certification: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. 5. Drivers License: You must possess an active, valid drivers license. GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to meeting the basic requirements above you must also meet the below grade requirements. The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Grade Determinations for Medical Technologist GS-11: Experience or Education: Experience: GS-11, must have one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance grade level (GS-09), which is directly related to the position to be filled. -OR- Education: Must possess three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in medical technology or a directly related field. Lead Medical Technologist Assignment. Facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals and achievements are coordinated with management. Responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty including preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation and compliance. Acts as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty. 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. Knowledge of regulatory, licensing and accrediting agency requirements and statutes governing clinical laboratory operations in order to plan, implement or monitor laboratory programs and services. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation. Ability to provide technical oversight in order to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload. Preferred Experience / Qualifications: Experience facilitating team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members or employees to ensure that tasks are completed and team priorities, goals, needs and achievements are coordinated with management. Experience with preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation and compliance. Advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II Appendix G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting of 15-44 pounds, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking 4-8 hours, standing 4-8 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, and use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include vision for both eyes, depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, and the ability to read ordinary type without strain. The incumbent must have adequate hearing (aids permitted), and the emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations. The employee must have rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously and have the ability to operate a motor vehicle as occasional travel to and from the CBOCs may be required. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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. 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.