Clarification from the agency

This Job is all open to all US Citizens

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

PROCESSING SURGICAL, CYTOLOGY AND AUTOPSY SPECIMENS
-Receives all requests and specimens for testing into the histopathology laboratory. Verifies the accuracy and completeness of the request and proper sample collection, labeling and transport requirements. Makes sure two full patient identifiers are on each sample. Evaluates, accepts or rejects specimens, using proficiency in recognizing tissues and identifies unusual conditions and discrepancies which may cause erroneous results or require special handling. Makes sound decisions independently and takes appropriate action to correct and solve problems. Interacts with supervisor and hospital personnel to correct discrepancies.
-Accessions and labels specimens using two full patient identifiers. Prepares specimen(s) and tissue examination form for gross examination by the pathologist in the computer.
-Stains cytological slides with Papanicolaou stain manually. Trouble shoots any improper staining.
-Operates equipment such as microscopes, microtomes, tissue processor, cryostat, embedding center and strainers. Calibrates, performs preventive maintenance and records required function checks. Reports needed repairs to Biomedical engineer.
-Adheres to established safety, infection control and universal precautions and guidelines as described in the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Manual, VAMC Emergency Plan and VAMC Safety Manual.
-Maintains a safe, clean and professional work area.
-Maintains qualifications necessary to perform duties by reading journals, participating in continuing education, i.e. in-services, professional meetings and workshops.
-May serve as backup on College of American Pathologists inspection teams for the Histology/ Cytology/Autopsy sections.

RECUTS, SPECIAL STAINS AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY STAINING
-Prepares solutions for processing, routine, special and immune staining according to complex formula and specifications using principles and theories of concentration, buffering, molarity, normality and osmolarity. Preparation involves more complex procedures such as pH standardization.
-Prepares reagents for special staining procedures which are used by pathologist in differential diagnosis, involving histochemical or immunochemical reactions. Obtains, prepares, evaluates and documents control tissues. Performs stains according to written procedures and, develops new procedures.
-Complies with all regulatory agencies such as CAP, TJC guidelines for the procedures followed in the lab.
-Performs all proficiency tests and maintains the corresponding corrective actions when required.

FROZEN SECTION LABORATORY COVERAGE
-Performs procedures in the frozen section laboratory. Orients, cuts and stains any specimens submitted for intra operative consultations, including minute biopsies for rapid diagnosis by the pathologist with no margin for error.
-Prepares quality frozen sections per accrediting agency guidelines to provide rapid diagnosis in surgical cases (intra operative consultations).
-Performs maintenance and records quality control on instruments and reagents. Compiles and or/generates information and data needed for LMIP and quality assurance monitors/ reports. Maintains standards that conform to accreditation requirements. Maintains supplies. Performs duties necessary for safe, smooth functioning of this laboratory.

MAINTAINS REPORTS, RECORDS AND MATERIALS
-Performs established quality control and quality assurance procedure to check the accuracy and validity of work. Records information daily. Deviations are documented and reported to the supervisor. Corrective action is performed and appropriately documented. Identifies unusual discrepancies/ conditions that may cause erroneous results (i.e. malfunctions, conditions of test performance, reaction systems and/or test procedure used). Takes appropriate action to make corrections and solve problems.
-Daily records temperature charts of refrigerators, water baths, rooms, equipment's.
-Maintains digital inventory of supplies and reagents.
-Works closely with Biomedical engineering with preventative maintenance and repairs of all equipment's in the laboratory.
-Maintains an adequate stock of supplies and reagents to cover normal and peak workloads.
-The work involves planning and implementing a quality control program, developing analytical and processing methods which provide a wide variety of Anatomical information and Analysis. Also provides backup administrative support for Histology and Cytology sections in absence of Medical Support Assistants.

Work Schedule: 06:30am - 03:00pm, Monday-Friday. Work schedule subject to change based on agency needs.
Telework: N/A
Functional Statement #: 60801F

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
• Experience and Education:

1. 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,
2. Education: (a) 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 (b) 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,
3. Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.

Grade Determinations:

Histopathology Technician, GS-8 (Lead):

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs.
(a) Ability to use independent judgment and apply comprehensive technical histopathology knowledge to solve complex problems concerning a broad range of tests, procedures, and protocols.
(b) Ability to perform procedural technical review and provide written and practical application training and instructions to laboratory personnel in all areas of histology.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) Skill in communicating with individuals in order to obtain the desired effect, provide technical guidance and ensure compliance with established policies and regulations.

Preferred Experience:
3-5+ years of hands-on histology experience in a clinical or anatomic pathology lab
ASCP (HT or HTL) certification strongly preferred
Progressive experience (>1year) serving in a senior, lead, or supervisory capacity is often desired

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-08.

Physical Requirements: This work is primarily sedentary, but may include periods of prolonged walking and some travel to perform site visits. Extensive reading may be required.

How you will be evaluated

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, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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