Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens.

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

• Facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members or employees to ensure that tasks are completed and team priorities, goals, needs and achievements are coordinated with management. Acts as a liaison between the team members and the supervisor.
• The incumbent must be able to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis. Performs advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples and guides staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens.
• The lead histopathology technologist must be skilled in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
• Leads in the introduction of new tests including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, record keeping, and documentation. They will research, develop, test, optimize and validate complex histochemical stains, photochemistry (IHC) and/or in situ hybridization (ISH) protocols, including, but not limited to, new antibodies, probes, detection protocols/kits, new lots, and concentrated antibody titrations.
• The incumbent will troubleshoot a variety of specialized lab tests as well as equipment by using independent judgment and resources available to resolve issues. The lead histopathology technologist identifies suboptimal testing and takes corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on patient samples.
• The incumbent will monitor and make work assignments, provide input on performance, resolve daily workplace issues, and maintain efficient workflow. Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to assuring coverage of all areas
  of responsibility; conducting ongoing reviews to ensure quality of work;
• The incumbent provides guidance to staff members and work closely with supervisor to include changes in policies and procedures; distributing and balancing workload; orienting and providing on-the-job training for new and current employees; and ensuring all training requirements are met in addition to organizing the work structure of his/her assigned areas.
• The incumbent performs, routine histology procedures including accessioning, grossing, tissue processing, cutting and H&E staining of surgical, biopsy and autopsy specimens and also prepares cytology non gyn and gyn specimens.
• The incumbent conducts special stain procedures and immunochemistry analysis using automatic or manual methodologies.
• The incumbent must be able to assist in autopsy procedures and the maintenance of the autopsy suite.
• The incumbent should be able to assist the pathologist during FNAs, EBUS procedures, MOHS procedure and frozen sections. Prepares and cuts tissue specimens for frozen sections for rapid diagnosis and interpretation of tissue sections during surgery.
• The incumbent assists with gross dissection of surgical and autopsy specimens and in the processing of bone marrow and cytology specimens when requested to do so.
• The incumbent monitors laboratory quality control systems and performance indicators. They interact with management officials and vendors providing inter-laboratory quality assurance and laboratory proficiency testing. Prepares and presents work-related information to supervisor.
• The incumbent is also responsible for laboratory continuous readiness for regulating agency inspections and accreditation from agencies, such as The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAHO) and College of American Pathologists (CAP), OSHA.
• Incumbent may be assigned other duties within the incumbent's skill set and knowledge
  to meet the needs of the service.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 942370
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:

Lead Histopathology Technologist GS-11
(1) Education and Experience. Must meet one of the following:
(a) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled; or
(b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; or
(c) A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology, or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum.

(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis.
(b) Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens and perform a full range of routine and specialized tests.
(c) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
(d) Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample.
(e) Ability to monitor and make work assignments, balance workload, and ensure duties are completed in an accurate and timely manner. This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of incomplete work.

(3) Assignment. 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 lead histopathology technologist may lead other histopathology technicians and/or histopathology technologists or others in the performance of histopathology work. At this level, the lead histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of specialized tests, applying histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Must be able to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis. Performs advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples and guides staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens. The lead histopathology technologist must be skilled in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Leads in the introduction of new tests including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, record keeping, and documentation. Researches, develops, tests, optimizes and validates complex histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or in situ hybridization (ISH) protocols, including, but not limited to, new antibodies, probes, detection protocols/kits, new lots and concentrated antibody titrations. Troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests as well as equipment by using independent judgment and resources available to resolve issues. The lead histopathology technologist identifies suboptimal testing and takes corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on patient samples. Monitors and makes work assignments, provides input on performance, resolves daily workplace issues, and maintains efficient workflow. Continued under additional information......

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-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); intermittent, but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to distinguish basic colors; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid
permitted)and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations; ability to wear required to personal protective equipment as 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.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other VA employees.
3. Current permanent Federal Employees of other agencies.
4. All other applicants.

Creditable Experience. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics, also referred to as core competencies; be associated with the scope of histopathology technologist practice; be directly related to the position being filled; and may be paid or non-paid 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. 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.
• 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
• 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.

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