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Summary

The Histopathology Technologist serves as a specialized technologist in the Anatomic Pathology(AP) section of the John D. Dingell VAMC- Detroit - MI. The Histopathology Technologist independently performs a wide scope of routine and specialized tests. In addition to an in-depth working knowledge of histotechnology and cytotechnology procedures - the position requires a progressive knowledge of information technology systems - including knowledge of computer-based anatomic pathology equipment.

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: Candidates must be a United States citizen
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a)
• 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
• Foreign Education: To be creditable - education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials - and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs
• Certification: (1) 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
• (2) 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) (1) 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
• (2) 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
• (3) Assignments
• 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
• References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/118 November 25 - 2019 PART II APPENDIX G65
• The Full Performance level of 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.

Duties

• 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 Compressed/Flexible: 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.