Summary The position is that of a Lead Medical Technologist for the Microbiology Section within Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service for the Columbia VA Healthcare System. The incumbent facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals and achievements are coordinated with management. Incumbent is responsible for all technical aspects of operation in the Microbiology Section. Responsibilities This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024 or until filled. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 28, 2023, with subsequent cut-off date for referral on the 1st and 15th of each month. May close without prior notification. Duties includes: Implements and coordinates a quality assurance program for the Microbiology Section. Assures compliance with quality control and proficiency testing programs, as well as with the Joint Commission (TJC) and VHA regulatory requirements. Assures that adequate equipment and reagents are maintained for daily testing in Microbiology to ensure appropriate patient care is provided at all times. Assists with the choice of appropriate test methods and instrumentation based on the needs of the patient population and the clinical providers. Helps with the monitoring of moderately and highly complex test performance. Assists with the development and updating of Microbiology policies/procedures to make sure they are current, and ensures testing personnel are aware of new or changed procedures. Ensures that proper maintenance and operation of the Microbiology equipment is performed and documented according to established policies and procedures. Assists with the preparation of documents for the purchase of supplies and the maintenance of proper inventory levels. Maintains an adequate inventory of consumables so that shortages do not occur during emergency situations. Assists with documentation of adequate training and competency of personnel who work in the Microbiology Section on any shift. Serves as clinical instructor for Georgia Southern University Medical Technology Fast-Track students, for Midlands Technical College Medical Laboratory Technician students and other individuals who may rotate through the Microbiology Section. The department supervisor provides only general assignment parameters, deadlines and priorities, and review of work product. The Lead Technologist independently plans and carries out the procedures necessary to complete the work assignment and handles problems and corrects errors in accordance with established protocols or accepted laboratory practices. Works under the direction of the Microbiology Supervisor, the Laboratory Manager/ Chief Medical Technologist and the Chief, P&LM. Plans work and makes decisions within the framework of the major duties without specific direction from the Microbiology Supervisor. Resolves most technical problems. Helps to coordinate and implement approved testing with laboratory and non-laboratory staff. Prioritizes projects and sets deadlines to meet the mission of the Service and the Healthcare System Completed work is reviewed for effectiveness in meeting accreditation and regulatory agency requirements and overall management objectives. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: a. Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice. b. 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. c. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section. d. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation. e. Ability to provide technical oversight in order to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload .Lead Medical Technologist. 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. Customer Service: Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Work Schedule: Mondays to Fridays; 08:00am-:4:30pm; with rotating weekends and holiday; subject to change to meet the needs of the agency. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS 000000 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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 To qualify for this position as a GS-0644 Medical Technologist (Lead Medical Technologist), you must meet the following: Basic Requirements 1. Citizen of the United States; non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3g.2. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, Paragraph 5a.3. Education and Experience: Your education and experience must include: 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., chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.). AND The 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; OR 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, 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 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, 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. 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 above in 3c-3d or 3e-3f. This finding may be based on either of the following: A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree. A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination. Certification: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. Grandfathering Provision: All MTs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of May 12, 2014 are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to the position, the following provisions apply:(1) MTs that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.(2) MTs 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.(3) MTs 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.(4) If MTs who were retained in this occupation under this provision leave the occupation, the MT loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade-Level Requirements - GS-11 Medical Technologist (Lead Medical Technologist) Experience/Education Requirement: Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the full performance level (GS-9), which is directly related to the position to be filled or must have 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: This assignment requires specialized training and experience and the use of a wide latitude of independent judgment. Employees must have advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance. In this role, you will facilitate team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals, and achievements are coordinated with management. This position is 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. You will also act as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty Preferred Experience: Specialized Certification such as MT (ASCP) SM or MLS ASCP) ; five or more years Microbiology and/or other Leadership experience in a medium / Large Medical Center. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Reference: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24. MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. NOTE: This occupation is currently approved for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive through 9/22/2024. Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI for a pro-rated amount if onboard prior to the CSI expiration date. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI. Additional Information 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.