Qualifications

Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

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
• Education
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Foreign Education
• To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials
• Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following: (1) Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program
• OR (2) The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination
• NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed
• 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
• Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT
• GRADE DETERMINATIONS
• In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Ancillary Testing Coordinator), GS-12 Experience
• One 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 above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of medical technology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies sufficient to perform full oversight and guidance for testing programs outside of the laboratory
• Knowledge of mathematics and statistics as related to quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, inspection and accreditation, and continuous quality improvement
• Knowledge of Federal, state, and VHA laws, regulations, reference standards, and certifying or accrediting agency requirements to carry out work in each ancillary testing site
• Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity
• Skill in applying new scientific/technological developments and theories to laboratory testing
• Ability to evaluate, interpret, and teach others to use quality control procedures and implement corrective actions
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• This full vacancy is above the full performance level
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs
• Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability
• ability to read ordinary type without strain.