Lead Histopathology Technologist

Full Job Description

At the advanced level, the HistopathologyTechnologist independently performs a full range of specialized tests, applying histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology.

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: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.).

Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). b. Education.

(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, premedical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy c.

Certification. (1) Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by 3 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.

d. Grandfathering Provision.

Employees in VHA in this occupation under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification where applicable.

For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or be changed to a lower grade within the FORMER VA HANDBOOK REFERENCE: Part II Appendix G24 EFFECTIVE DATE: December 3, 2024 5 occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions.

(2) If an assignment above the FPL requires an additional certification over and above the basic requirements, employees must meet the assignment-specific requirement before they can be promoted.

(3) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.

(4) Employees retained in this occupation under this provision who subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.

(5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

e. 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 f. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). GRADE DETERMINATIONS.

In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified: Lead Histopathology Technologist GS-11 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. AND, 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.

NOTE: Your experience must be fully documented on your, resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week.

References:VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II Appendix G24.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09 Major Duties:

Duties/Tasks -Operates, verifies and maintains correct instrument operation for all equipment in the histologyand cytology laboratory, using established procedures and quality control checks in accordance with College of American Pathologists, Joint Commission and VHA guidelines.

-Operates, maintains and troubleshoots instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens fordiagnosis.

Plans, implements and coordinates preventive maintenance of all instruments, communicating with the Biomedical Department any instrument malfunctions -Performs advanced procedures and quality control of tissue samples -Guides staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens -Acts as a technical resource, troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests, identifiessuboptimal issues and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns -Organizes, coordinates and prioritizes work assignments -Uses professional skills in applying complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, conceptsand theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques -Develops new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing and recordkeeping and documentation.

-Selects and performs non-routine and specialized test procedures. Recognizes and reacts to indicators or malfunction.

-Evaluates new equipment and makes informed decisions concerning the purchasing of equipment -Prepares reagent and control materials.

Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products, and maintains proper records for quality control reports.

-Conveys pertinent information to those professionals of the Anatomic Pathology and Medical Center staff directly responsible for patient care in regard to proper collection methods, transportation of specimens, etc.

Communicates effectively and courteously and provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients and others).

- Evaluates and/or determines the proper technical procedure appropriate in the preparation of specific cytology specimens.

-Receives specimen and review accompanying requisitions for completeness and accuracy. -Accessions specimens, determining adequacy and quality prior to recording the data in the computer.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm; with the occassional coverage for the 5:00am-1:30pm shift Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized