Lead Histopathology technicians at this level perform duties which consist of a significant scope, complexity, and administrative independence. The Lead provides direction to the daily operations and assumes responsibility for integrating and monitoring the standard adherence to methods and protocols to maintain continuous workflow and quality within the unit.

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Receipt and accession of surgical pathology, cytology, and autopsy specimens. Ensures samples are submitted in suitable containers with proper patient information, sample labeling and properly completed pathology requisitions. Utilizes local computer systems during accessioning and completes accessioning associated forms/documents. Maintains that patient identification is accurate throughout all histology and cytology processes. Exercises discretion in prioritizing work. Assists pathologists as requested with specimen grossing, frozen section procedures and autopsies. The technician prepares technically adequate slides of surgical, cytology, and autopsy specimens by processing, embedding tissue, cutting, staining (including immunohistochemistry), and cover slipping. Without immediate supervision, applies knowledge of complex chemical reactions in both manual and automated staining protocols to complete special and immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections. Assists in the collection of, and processes bone marrows, autopsy, and cytology specimens. Applies specialized techniques in slide preparation as well as specimen handling and preservation during sample collection. Evaluates and solves problems related to the collection and processing pathology specimens. Prepares and ships specimens for outside testing and/or consultation. Collects and evaluates quality control data at required intervals in accordance with laboratory guidelines. Applies knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles to ensure all processes/procedures are functioning properly and performed/completed within regulatory standards. Recognizes deviation from expect results of laboratory processes and procedures and, after troubleshooting, implements corrective action. Examines slide preparations to ensure processing meets laboratory standards. Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory equipment utilized in the processing of histology and cytology specimens including frozen section and grossing equipment documenting proper functioning as required. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: AUTHORIZED Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: 1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 2. English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. 3. 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. Grandfathering Provision: 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 Technician (Lead), GS-8 Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to use independent judgment and apply comprehensive technical histopathology knowledge to solve complex problems concerning a broad range of tests, procedures, and protocols. (b) Ability to perform procedural technical review and provide written and practical application training and instructions to laboratory personnel in all areas of histology. (c) Ability to manage staffing requirements, plan and organize workload and priorities, and coordinate work in order to complete duties in an accurate and timely manner. This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrating an understanding of the impact of incomplete work. (d) Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory, licensing, and accrediting agency requirements that govern laboratory operations in order to insure that work practices, documentation, and reporting are consistent with all governing standards and regulations. (e) Skill in communicating with individuals in order to obtain the desired effect, provide technical guidance and ensure compliance with established policies and regulations. Preferable Experience: At least 10 years as Histopathology Technician and at least 5 years as Histopathology Technician (Lead). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/102, PART II, APPENDIX G55 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: This position requires manual dexterity, the ability to sit and concentrate for extended periods of time while embedding and cutting specimens, and to stand for several consecutive hours during the preparation of specimens. Position may require lifting of reagent containers weighing up to 44 pounds and assisting in the moving of bodies during autopsy procedures. Additionally, walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as instruments, reagents, papers, books, small parts; or driving an automobile, will be required. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

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 Las Vegas VA Medical Center 6900 North Pecos Road North Las Vegas, NV 89086 US
• Name: Rolane Jack
• Phone: 808-835-9634
• Email: [email protected]