Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Performing independently using technical judgement for analysis evaluation and problem resolution in their duties.
• Performing functions on both the JDDVAMC and the PALMS laboratory information systems including their inter-connectivity.
• Demonstrating histotechnology chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles theories, concepts techniques and methodologies sufficient to process both surgical and cytology pathology specimens.
• Applying difficult complex anatomic pathology principles, practice concepts and theories, as they pertain to Quality control and assurance procedures, Performance improvement principles, Reagent and supply management, Document control and workload recording systems, Human anatomy, specialized testing methods and techniques.
• Identifying and testing suboptimal specimens· taking corrective action to minimize the impact on a patient's specimen.
• Following standard operating procedures (SOP) and/or seeking guidance to reconcile any discrepancies, as needed.
• Performing technical oversight of quality control procedures, to include troubleshooting and problem resolution, on equipment ,reagents and products, while keeping proper records for quality assurance and quality control reports.
• Organizing, coordinating and prioritizing simultaneous individual work assignments.
• Performing routine Anatomic Pathology procedures Specimen accessioning, processing, embedding, cutting (microtomy) staining and coverslipping, Performing quality control on daily stain control slide, Tracking specimens through our processes using computer based 2D barcode technology, Preparing and distributing technically acceptable slides of surgical, cytology and autopsy specimens for analysis, Assisting the pathologist and/r clinician during an autopsy, fine needle aspirate or kidney biopsy procedure, Performing techniques for handling bone marrow autopsy, cell block and fine-needle biopsy specimens, Cryomicrotomy and staining frozen section specimens, Chemical viability evaluation and testing.
• Performing complex Anatomic Pathology procedures to include lmmunohistochemistry staining, to include antibody, reagent and control verification, Special staining, to include reagent and control verification, selecting appropriate tissue section/instrumentation for cutting bone specimens.
• Following established procedures to perform scheduled preventive maintenance on instruments and equipment while verifying correct operation. Documents instrument maintenance in the appropriate logbooks/binders. Reports any problems and/or concerns to the Anatomic Pathology supervisor.
• Identifying the cause of instrument and equipment problems and making instrument repairs, as needed.
• Performing SnoMed coding, to include surgical, cytology and autopsy reports.
• Communicating effectively; to include constructive interaction and cooperation with all customers, internal and external.
• Treating visitors to the work area, including telephone inquiries, with competency, respect and courtesy, seeking assistance when needed.

Work Schedule: Full time, Monday- Friday; 07:00am - 03:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: FS#91463-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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.
• Loss of Certification. Employees who fail to maintain the required certification must be removed from the histopathology technologist, GS-0601 occupation, which may result in termination of employment.

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Education: Individuals must meet one of the requirements below:
  1. Successful completion of a full four-year course of study from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, that included a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of a histopathology technologist, such as, but not limited to clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy; OR,
  2. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both);OR,
  3. Successful completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education, leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, with a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the position of histopathology technologist, such as clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy.
• Certification:
  • Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. The ASCP requires completion of one of the following for a candidate to be considered "board eligible" to take the certification exam:
    • (a) Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS);OR,
    • (b) One year of full time experience in all of the following: fixation, embedding, microtomy, processing, and staining in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry, or research) laboratory.

Exception for Non-Board Certified. Non-board-certified candidates designated by ASCP as "board eligible," who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a histopathology technologist working under the direct oversight of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience.

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:

Histopathology Technologist GS-9 ( Full Performance Level)
Experience. Must have One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. This experience may include but is not limited to; work in developmental positions practicing under close supervision of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1.Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity.
2. Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens, and the ability to perform a full range of routine specialized tests.
3. Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient's sample.
4. Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments; both individual and team related.
5. Skill in applying professional, anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.

Assignment. At the full performance level, the histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. Utilize information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. The histopathology technologist acts as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. The histopathology technologist ensures goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks. The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to perform new or difficult specialized testing methods, such as immunohistochemical, histochemical, and frozen section techniques.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA HANDBOOK 5005/118 November 25, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G65.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements: Sitting for above average periods of time, Light to moderate (0-44 lbs.) lifting and carrying, Straight pulling and/or pushing, Walking and/or standing, Repeated bending and/or reaching above the shoulders, Use of both legs, both hands and fingers, Fine manual dexterity and motor skills, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Ability to see in both eyes, as depth perception is required, Hand-eye coordination, Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of color, Hearing (aid pen11itted).Multiple repetitive motion activities of the hands, wrist and arms. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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:

• Professional Certification
  • Histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification
• 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.
• Transcript

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 (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• OF-306
• Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation here.
• Other (2)
• Other (3)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Next steps