Histopathology Tech

The work performed in this position is in the histology laboratory and includes specialized histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical procedures and other assigned tasks are expected to be carried out independently. Such positions include requirements to develop, modify or adapt new staining methods or techniques.

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. 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,
• 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,
• Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science, surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or an associate's degree in a health care related field. (b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces.

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:
GS-7 Histopathology Technician (Advanced)
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
and
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate [all of] the KSAs below:

• Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
• Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement exhibiting competence in managing reagent and supply inventories and document control systems.
• Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting.
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/102 PART II APPENDIX G55

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. This position is at the full performance level.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Responsibilities:

• Performs a broad range of routine and difficult specialized histological work, including specimen accessioning, tissue embedding and cutting of sections to appropriate thickness based on staining needs.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of histological specimens for analysis.
• Maintains and troubleshoots manual and automated histology and immunochemistry equipment and instruments.
• Maintains the frozen section and grossing area for pathologists, assists with maintaining inventory levels or reagents, supplies and tools.
• Assists with collecting quality assurance data or participating in quality assurance projects.
• Performs cross-coverage duties in the morgue and cytology when necessary.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines with minimal assistance.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Salary : $49,962 - $64,950