Summary

The VISN 22 Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PALMS) is looking for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist for the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System. VISN 22 Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PALMS) encompass the eight consolidated laboratories located at specific VA facilities within the VISN.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.) English Language Proficiency
• Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5.a. - this part
• Experience & Education
• Experience
• One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician
• OR - Education
• Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation such as biological science or chemistry
• OR - Successful completion of two academic years of study above high school that included at least 24 semester hours in Chemistry and/or in appropriate fields of biological science and successful completion of a 12-month program of education and training in histopathology or cytotechnology
• OR - Experience/Education Combination
• Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable
• Examples are listed below: a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science - surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position
• or an associate's degree in a health care related field
• b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians - hospital corpsmen - medical service specialists - or histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces
• Please make sure that your experience is evident in your resume
• Please make sure your resume contains hours worked per week for each work experience entry - if it is full time or part-time - all federal jobs must have the GS level included on the resume - or else your resume will be considered incomplete - and you will be considered "ineligible" for the position
• Grade Determinations: GS-08 (Lead Histopathology Technician) Experience: Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07)
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to use independent judgment and apply comprehensive technical histopathology knowledge to solve complex problems concerning a broad range of tests - procedures - and protocols
• Ability to perform procedural technical review and provide written and practical application training and instructions to laboratory personnel in all areas of histology
• Ability to manage staffing requirements - plan and organize workload and priorities - and coordinate work in order to complete duties in an accurate and timely manner
• This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrating an understanding of the impact of incomplete work
• Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory - licensing - and accrediting agency requirements that govern laboratory operations in order to insure that work practices - documentation - and reporting are consistent with all governing standards and regulations
• Skill in communicating with individuals in order to obtain the desired effect - provide technical guidance and ensure compliance with established policies and regulations References: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Duties

• For all assignments above the full performance level - the higher- level duties must consist of significant scope - complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time The incumbent also works weekends - and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need
• The duties and responsibilities of the GS-8 Lead Histopathology Technician includes all duties at the entry and full performance level positions - plus the following: Prepare - direct - and approve work schedules and assign tasks for timely completion of duties
• Ensure resources are in optimal working condition and address workflow needs
• Calibrate - operate - and maintain instruments and equipment used in surgical pathology - immunohistochemistry - and special stains
• Provides guidance and instruction to Histopathology Technicians on a broad range of specific tasks and job techniques
• Monitors work in progress often performing spot checks to ensure protocols are being followed
• Reviews completed work to ensure guidelines are met regarding work sequences - procedures - and methods
• provides on-the-job training to new employees
• Provides cross-training to staff
• Provides input to supervisor on performance and training needs of employees
• Adjusts work assignments due to absences or changes in priorities
• Resolves simple informal complaints of employees and patients - referring the more difficult problems to the supervisor
• Recommends approval and/or disapproval of leave requests
• Performs additional duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 5:00 am - 1:30 pm PST - Occasional weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized