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:
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a)).
English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
Education. Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification.
Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign MLT programs are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a current certification described below.
Certification. Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations.
(Submit applicable and required certification upon possession)
- American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP): Either from the Board of Certification OR Board of Registry. OR
- American Medical Technologists OR
- American Association of Bioanalysts
Grandfathering Provision. All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties described in this qualification standard on the effective date (10/10/2023) of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/trademark/registration/certification.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, qualifications will be determined by the appropriate grade assignment described below
Supervisory Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-08
Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Skill in interpersonal relations and conflict resolution to effectively communicate with employees and customers.
- Ability to develop training plans and coordinate staff development.
- Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties, which include responsibility for assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, recommendation of awards, advancements and disciplinary actions.
- Ability to develop procedures for new tests and modify existing procedures and methods to resolve problems relative to complex and difficult situations.
Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Supervisory MLTs perform the full range of supervisory duties for the laboratory including assigning work; completing performance evaluations; recommending appointment, awards, advancement and disciplinary actions; and identifying continuing education and training needs. Supervisory MLTs supervise other technicians, laboratory assistants, phlebotomists and/or other appropriate personnel. Supervisory MLTs ensure compliance with accrediting agency and regulatory requirements; participate in the preparation necessary for regulatory inspections; and establish and monitor the quality of the pre-analytical processes as part of the overall laboratory quality management program. They also initiate corrective action. Supervisory MLTs develop policies and procedures; manage document control; and develop performance standards, position descriptions and functional statements. They provide professional and administrative management of an assigned area, which includes orientation and competency assessment of assigned staff. Supervisory MLTs maintain effective interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals.
Preferred Experience: Have at least 2 years as a lead or supervisor
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-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8.
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds, ability to distinguish basic colors, moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, hearing (aid permitted), standing (6 hours), good distance vision in one eye. I understand and can perform the essential job functions, physical demands, and competencies of this job.