The Cincinnati, OH VA Medical Center is recruiting for a full time, permanent Cytotechnologist. This position is located in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service.

Duties

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is a two-division campus located in Cincinnati, Ohio and Fort Thomas, Kentucky serving 15 counties in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana with 6 Community Based Outpatient Clinics located in Bellevue, KY; Florence, KY; Lawrenceburg, IN; Hamilton, OH; Clermont County, OH, and Georgetown, OH. Cincinnati VAMC also supports two off main campus locations in the Cincinnati area via an Eye Center and Mental Health Outreach Community Division. Major Duties: Performs highly complex testing on cellular material from all human body sites. Microscopically examines prepared cytological specimens and renders diagnoses. Recognizes normal and abnormal cytology, including but not limited to, malignant neoplasms, precancerous lesions, infectious agents and inflammatory processes in gynecologic, non-gynecologic and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. Detects, selects and clearly marks the cells most representative of the pathologic process. Develops differential diagnoses based on cellular evidence in conjunction with pertinent cognitive knowledge, clinical data, histological correlative material, review of previous patient material and knowledge of the various modes of treatment and their effect on the cytological interpretation Independently screens and evaluates gynecologic cytologic specimens (Pap smears) for evidence of infection, precancerous changes or malignancy. Determines which Pap smears are within normal limits, separating them from those that show possible abnormalities and require pathologist review. Issues final pathologic report on negative Pap smears under his/her own name, with sole responsibility for the diagnosis. Formulates a provisional diagnosis on all atypical gynecologic cytology specimens and on all non-gynecologic specimens and forwards them to the attending pathologist for review. Functions as attending pathologist's assistant in FNA/core biopsy procedures in special radiologic procedures and clinics. In addition, independently prepares FNA specimens on-site, stains and microscopically examines to determine adequacy of cytological interpretation. Guides the clinician in obtaining further samples, if needed. Together with the Anatomic Pathology Supervisor, develops, implements, and monitors the lab's Quality Control/Assurance Program (QC/A) to provide improved Veteran care. Monitors workload and productivity and recommends improvements where needed. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of abnormal findings or aberrant results. Determines, plans and implements new procedures and technologies to achieve and maintain a state-of-the-art cytopathology laboratory. Instructs cytopathology/anatomic pathology staff on processing of cytologic specimens, emphasizing proper patient safety issues, work-flow and equipment operations. When changes in specimen collection/processing and diagnostic classification occur, actively participates in medical staff meetings and conferences to provide providers with current information and ensure continued quality Veteran care. Responsible for preparation for accreditation inspections and correction of identified deficiencies of the lab. Provides consultative cytopathology services to regional and remote sites. Responsible for ensuring that workload, manpower, and other reports of a recurring or special nature are submitted, as required. Evaluates requested procedures to determine the suitability of specimens for processing and requests new specimens, if specimen is determined unusable. Has experience and knowledge in processing and preparation of specimens for cytopathology testing while controlling physical conditions and complying with time factors to ensure that the physiologic state of the specimen is maintained. Obtains the necessary approval to implement new techniques or practices in the local laboratory. Prepares professional implementation plan, including test and evaluation of the technique in meeting stated objectives. Develops quality control measures for implementation. Suggests implementation methods for other environments or laboratories. Serves as consultant and advisor to area officials and laboratory personnel on various aspects of cytology laboratory management and testing. Trains new employees in all tasks. Serves as a consultant cytotechnologist on difficult diagnostic cases. Provides expertise for operation of a wide variety of automated and manual equipment. Assists in the procurement of supplies, equipment, and instrumentation and assures compliance with budgetary limitations. Directs maintenance schedules of equipment and initiates a request for repair. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:30 am-4:00 pm Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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: a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part.) b. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program. c. 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. d. Certification. (1) Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. (2) Loss of Certification. An employee who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. e. Grandfathering Provision. All cytotechnologists employed in VHA, in this occupational series, performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all the qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. e. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English per U.S.C. 7403(f) Grade Determinations: Cytotechnologist, GS-7 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Cytotechnologist, GS-9 (a) Experience. At this level, the candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level that is directly related to the position to be filled. (b) Assignment. At the journey level, the cytotechnologist independently reviews clinical data of patients and evaluates all cytology preparations by light microscopy for the presence or absence of cellular patterns, presence of micro-organisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, pre-malignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents. The cytotechnologist issues and verifies the final diagnosis for negative gynecologic specimens. The cytotechnologist prioritizes, prepares, and processes all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunohistochemical testing in compliance with the guidelines of regulatory agencies. The cytotechnologist instructs others on the proper collection methods and transportation of specimens and determines acceptability of patient samples for processing. The cytotechnologist performs routine maintenance of equipment using standard operating procedures. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: a. Ability to review clinical data of patients, relate data to microscopic findings, and evaluate all cytology preparations by light microscopy for the presence or absence of cellular patterns, presence of micro-organisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, pre-malignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents. b. .Ability to make a preliminary cytodiagnosis to issue and verify the final diagnosis for gynecologic specimens interpreted to be negative. c. Knowledge of processes and procedures to prepare all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunochemistry testing, as well as filtration methods, preparation, fixation, and staining of slides. d.. Ability to instruct others on the proper collection methods and transportation of specimens, and to determine acceptability of patient samples for processing. v. Knowledge of the standards of regulatory agencies, such as those of Joint Commission (JC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to ensure compliance with requirements and guidelines. e. Ability to perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment according to standard operating procedures. f. Skill in prioritizing workflow/specimen triage. Cytotechnologist, GS-11 Experience The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-9) that is directly related to the position to be filled. Assignments. For all assignments above the journey level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, the cytotechnologist independently performs and monitors processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining. If a discrepancy is identified with these processes, the cytotechnologist will troubleshoot and take corrective action. The cytotechnologist may act as a technical resource in writing and establishing new processes or procedures. The cytotechnologist performs a full range of specialized tasks, including collecting, compiling, and analyzing data according to the laboratory quality management program. The cytotechnologist uses these laboratory data to implement any needed quality improvement initiatives. The incumbent will research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the the KSAs. Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures. Knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes to establish and monitor the overall laboratory quality management and quality control program, and initiate corrective action as needed. Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. iv. Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment. Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings. Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as CAP, JC, and OSHA, and to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation. Knowledge and skill to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. Preferred Experience: 3 years relevant experience in the field of Cytology within the last 10 years. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 11. References: VA Handbook 5005/126 PART II APPENDIX G61 Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service

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 Cincinnati VA Medical Center 3200 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45220 US
• Name: Kelly Webb
• Email: [email protected]