The histopathology technologist is responsible for setting up and maintaining the Mohs laboratory and performing all Mohs essential tasks per accrediting agency guidelines. The technologist is responsible for advanced Anatomic Pathology laboratory testing to include, but not limited to, gross dissection and interoperative frozen section preparation as dictated by Pathology laboratory needs.

Duties

This position will work 50% of the time in the Dermatology Mohs clinic and 50% of the time in the Anatomic Pathology laboratory. The histopathology technologist is responsible for Mohs laboratory maintenance and quality assurance documentation and will assist the Pathology Quality Manager with quality monitors related to the Mohs and/or Anatomic Pathology laboratory. Histopathology technologists possess broad knowledge of biological sciences and the skills necessary to process anatomic pathology specimens. The work performed by histopathology technologists is vital for pathologists and Mohs surgeons to interpret laboratory results and provide diagnoses and prognoses that allow for planning appropriate and life-saving treatments. Histopathology technologists independently perform a full range of specialized tests, applying histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Histopathology technologists must be able to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis. They perform advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples and guide staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens. The 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. The technologist assists with the introduction of new tests including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, record keeping, and documentation. They research, develop tests, optimize, and validate 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. They troubleshoot a variety of specialized lab tests as well as equipment by using independent judgment and resources available to resolve issues. The technologist identifies suboptimal testing and takes corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on patient samples. They monitor and make work assignments, 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; providing guidance to staff members, assist with needed 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. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, either 7:00 am to 3:30 pm or 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 30306-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. Education: Individuals must meet one of the requirements below: 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~ 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~ 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. 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. Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board 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. English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. ? 7403(f). 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-11 Education and Experience. Must meet one of the following: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled; ~OR~ Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; ~OR~ A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum. 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. At the advanced level, the 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; perform advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples; and guide staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens. Act as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and using independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. Organize, coordinate, and prioritize work assignments. The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. At the advanced level, the histopathology technologists introduce new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, and record-keeping and documentation. Utilize information technology to perform tasks related to histotechnology. In addition to histochemical and immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing, the technologist is responsible for advanced testing including, but not limited to, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), and gross dissection, as dictated by the lab's needs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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. Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis. Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample. Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments, both individual and team related. Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity. *Skill in performing detailed Mohs procedures. Performs color mapping, embedding with precise orientation, cryostat sectioning, and staining of all types of Mohs specimens under the direction of the Mohs surgeon. Preferred Experience: 3 years of grossing experience and MOHS experience References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G65, Histopathology Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0601 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Lexington VA Health Care System 2250 Leestown Road Lexington, KY 40511 US
• Name: David Wiseman
• Phone: (614) 935-3242
• Email: [email protected]