This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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 and/or Experience Combination: (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.). 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, 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, 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. c. 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 paragraph 2b(2) or (3)above. This finding may be based on either of the following:(1) 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.(2) 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. 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). Grade Determinations: GS-12 (Supervisory Medical Technologist) Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: a. Knowledge of Federal and state laws and regulations, laboratory accrediting and regulatory requirements in order to develop new policies and guidelines, formulate plans and the ability to judge effectiveness of the operation. b. Knowledge of laboratory quality management procedures and principles sufficient to establish and monitor a laboratory quality management program and/or education and training of laboratory staff. c. Knowledge of, and ability to, provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluations; selection of staff; recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions. d. Ability to analyze organizational, technical and administrative problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient overall laboratory operation. e. Skill in interpersonal relations and conflict resolution to deal with employees, team leaders and managers. f. Ability to manage fiscal matters, forecast resource and equipment needs and administer the allocated budget. g. Ability to set short and/or long term goals for the section and conduct studies on technical and administrative problems, including personnel shortages, organizational structure, new technology, etc. Preferred Experience: BS degree or higher in medical laboratory science ASCP certified At least three years' specialized experience in Microbiology/Serology One year experience in a Lead position. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24 II-G24-1 [APPENDIX G24. MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-644 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Incumbent must meet physical standards for the position. The work is normally completed in an indoor office setting. Incumbent is required to stand, bend, stoop, lift, and kneel for long periods of time. He/she must also be able to lift heavy objects, climb ladders and stairs, and maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations. Working in a clinical laboratory also involves regular and recurring risks to infectious substances and irritant reagents. Incumbent will be required to wear protective clothing and take safety precautions. A physical examination prior to placement is required. This is a designated drug testing position. After appointment, incumbent will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use. ["Serves as the Supervisory Medical Technologist in the Microbiology and Immunology Sections of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service in this university-affiliated Medical Center. Responsible for the performance of the full range of technical, administrative, and supervisory duties required in the Microbiology/Immunology Section at the VA Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri. Performs routine as well as specialized studies in bacteriology, immunology, mycology (fungi), parasitology, and mycobacteriology (TB). Solves highly complex diagnostic problems and modifies and/or adapts new methods or techniques to improve or expand services. Coordinates the technical function of the section, work assignments, personnel matters, performance evaluations, awards, appointment, advancement, training and continuing education, competency assessment and availability of supplies and equipment required to accomplish the goals of the Service. Serves as a consultant- advisor to laboratory, medical, nursing and administrative staff on microbiological and immunological procedures used to diagnose and treat patients. Utilizes developmental, evaluative, technical and managerial skills for day-to-day operations and when making long term decisions or recommendations that affect the Microbiology/Immunology sections. Advises the Medical Director and the Laboratory Manager of any testing problems to ensure compliance with accrediting and regulatory agency requirements. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm; rotating holidays and weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Valerie McDowell, valarie.mcdowell@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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