Service Chief, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service

Company: Air Force Institute of Technology
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 9, 2021

Job Description:

An official website of the United States government Service Chief, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHCS) The VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) inPathology & Laboratory Medicine Services (PALMS)is recruitingfor a full time, permanent, Service Chief.This position is the senior management official responsible for all areas of facility PALMS including clinical, administrative, education and research and applicable performance measures. The Chief, PALMS, directly reports to the VISN 22 Chief of PALMS.

• Set coverage and rotational schedule for other staff pathologists in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, communication both down to laboratory staff, across to other Service Chiefs and up to Leadership, as well as crafting official communication responses, and issue briefs when requested to do so by VISN22 Leadership.
• Assists in developing PALMS Organization Charts and maintains FTEE ceilings; recruitment of staff Pathologists; establishes physician market pay review documentation; reviews and establishes policies on Focused and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE/OPPE) on privileged staff. Assists or conducts annual performance review on staff Pathologists.
• Establish performance appraisal (mid-year and year-end) for staff Pathologists and other direct reports; standardize and communicates staff physician performance metrics; reward and recognition, promotions, function as deciding official on disciplinary actions & grievances, oversee training requirements, participate Protected and Administrative Peer Reviews.
• Responsible for Tour of Duty assignment and documentation, second tier VATAs approvals of leave, and time card certification.
• Monitor service DSS labor mapping (workload), staffing needs, capacity and data analysis, resource needs (equipment, IT, supplies, space, etc).
• Consult management, CPRS documentation, oversight of clinic scheduling & access, monitor staff productivity, oversight of relevant performance measures, and development of consolidated laboratory utilization policy, setting VISN22 quality monitors, and patient safety oversight through process improvement (system redesign).
• Knowledge and experience of healthcare practices, principles and administration. Must be knowledgeable of PALMS programs to effectively carry the varied management aspects of the position.
• Analyze the competing demands for resources, and must take into account valid measures of productivity, quality, timeliness, and responsiveness to internal and external customer needs and expectations.
• Maintain effective measures of staff competency and performance improvement, in accordance with the medical center's established performance improvement program.
• Oversee the daily operation of the service and ensures that agency policies and priorities are being followed.
• Responsible for planning and scheduling work; assigning work to pathologists; accepting, amending, or rejecting completed work; assuring that production and accuracy requirements are met; developing performance standards; evaluating work performance; approving leave; and effecting disciplinary actions.
• Hears and resolves complaints from employees, and may serve as deciding official as delegated by the VISN22 Chief, PALMS, in collaboration with Labor Relations to resolve grievances for less serious complaints.
• Approve recruitments, appointments, promotions, and reassignments to unit positions; interviews candidates for positions in the unit; identifies and provides for training needs; and finds ways to improve efficiency or increase the quality of work within the area of authority.
• Ensure accurate anatomic pathology and clinical laboratory test results with turn-around-times that meet or exceeds expectations of the medical staff and accrediting agencies. Performance of the laboratory is monitored continuously and results recorded in the quality assurance dashboards.
• Demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical and social sciences, and the application of their knowledge to patient care and the education of others.
• Ensure practice-based learning and improvement, and use scientific evidence and methods to investigate, evaluate, and improve patient care.
• Participate in the Laboratory Quality Improvement Plan and address appropriate and practical QI needs as indicated by accreditation, internal and external audits.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills that enable them to establish and maintain professional relationships with patients, families, and other members of the health care team.
• Demonstrate behaviors that reflect a commitment to continuous professional development, ethical practice, and understanding and sensitivity to diversity, and a responsible attitude toward their patients, their profession.
• Demonstrate both an understanding of the contexts and systems in which health care is provided, and the ability to apply this knowledge to improve optimizing health care. Uses available VA, VISN, and Corporate Data Warehouse data tools to collect and analyze complex program data to present oral or written recommendations that achieve expected levels of quality and performance and service delivery improvement.Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm
  Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: Yes, authorized for highly qualified candidate selected.
  Telework: No
  Compressed/Flexible: No
  Virtual: No
  EDRP: No
  Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
  • U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Designated and/or random drug testing required
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination Qualifications 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:
    • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
    • Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed.
    • Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
    • Completion of residency training, or its equivalent, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification.
    • Proficiency in spoken and written English.
    • Physical requirements outlined below.Preferred Experience: Must possess M.D. or M.D./PH.D. American Board of Pathology - Board Certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. Diplomate of subspecialty board certification by American Board of Pathology. Candidate also must have demonstrated significant levels of clinical expertise and publication record in pathology disciplines. Experience and knowledge in formulating and reporting diagnostic information. Academic credentials with a track record of translational or clinical research, and are expected to actively contribute to departmental educational programs including training of residents, fellows, and medical students.
      
      Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
      
      Physical Requirements: In Accordance With VA Directive and Handbook 5019: Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Moderate Carrying (15-44 lbs.); Straight Pulling, Pushing, reaching above shoulder, Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of color; Hearing aid (permitted). VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides an overview of the benefits associated with a VA practice: VHA Physician Brochure .
      
      Annual leave shall accrue for full-time physicians at the rate of eight (8) hours per biweekly pay period.
      
      This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
      
      It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
      
      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.
      
      Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
      
      If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application . You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, r--sum--, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
      
      NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.
      
      Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Background checks and security clearance To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes (upload C.V. as resume document type):
      
      
      • License
      • Resume
        
        The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's, etc.
        
        • DD-214/ Statement of Service
        • Disability Letter (VA)
        • License
        • Resume
        • Transcript If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education . Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits . Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/08/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10985477 .
        • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
        • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
          NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
          
          To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
          
          NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season. Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
          
          You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center . The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Equal Employment Opportunity Policy The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
          • An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
          • An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
          • An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Keywords: Air Force Institute of Technology, San Diego , Service Chief, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, Healthcare , San Diego, California