The position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Central Ohio VA Healthcare system (VHACOS) (VISN 10), Columbus, Ohio under the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services (P&LMS). The purpose of this position is to perform highly specialized tasks which require special knowledge as well as being the point of contact or technical expert and advisor to laboratory and professional medical staff in the specialty of histopathology.

Duties

Major Duties:A. PROCESSING SURGICAL, CYTOLOGY, & HEMATOPOIETIC SPECIMENS: Prepares slides of lmmunohistochemistry specimens for examination using the proper laboratory procedures. Prepares cuts and stains fresh frozen tissue for immunofluorescent studies. Assist with validations of new antibodies. Responsible for maintenance of compliance across multiple applicable accrediting bodies to include but not limited to the Joint Commission (TJC) & College of American Pathologists (CAP) standards. Responsible for knowing appropriate fixation techniques for any special studies that may be appropriate. Must have knowledge of appropriate studies for specific tumors. B. RECUTS, SPECIAL STAINS AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY STAINING: Prepares solutions for processing, routine and special staining according to complex formula and specifications using principles and theories of concentration, buffering, molarity, normality and osmolality. Preparation involves more complex procedures such as pH standardization. C. FROZEN SECTION / MOHS LABORATORY COVERAGE Performs procedures in the frozen section and Mohs micrographic laboratories. Orients, cuts and stains any specimens submitted for intra operative consultations, including minute biopsies for rapid diagnosis by the pathologist or dermatologist with no margin for error. D. MAINTAINS REPORTS, RECORDS AND MATERIALS Performs and monitors established quality control and quality assurance procedure to check the accuracy and validity of work. Records and reviews recorded information at required intervals. Deviations are reported to the supervisor incumbent ensures corrective action is performed and appropriately documented. Identifies unusual discrepancies/ conditions that may cause erroneous results (i.e. malfunctions, conditions of test performance, reaction systems and/or test procedure used). Takes appropriate action to make corrections and solve problems. Maintains records of workload, quality and preventive maintenance of equipment, in compliance with regulations and recommendations of various accrediting/regulatory bodies agencies, (TJC, CAP, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), and VA Central Office (VACO)). F. RESEARCH, TEST, VALIDATE & IMPLEMENT NEW PROCEDURES & EQUIPMENT Researches, develops, tests, optimizes, and validates 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. Troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests as well as equipment by using independent judgment and resources available to resolve issues. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00-4:30 pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Histotechnologist/PD91176O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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: (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. Certification. Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by 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. 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:(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. 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 histopatholgy 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. NOTE: Advanced duties may include one or more of the tasks identified below. Additionally, when these duties are required, the advanced histopathology technologist must demonstrate the corresponding KSAs as identified in KSAs (g) through (k): (a) Mohs: Performs color mapping, embedding with precise orientation, cryostatsectioning, and staining of all types of Mohs specimens under the direction of the Mohs surgeon. (KSA g) (b) Electron Microscopy (EM): Utilizes an electron microscope, performs ultrathin-cryomicrotomy, and carries out staining of ultrastructural components. (KSA h) (c) Safety Coordination: Oversees safe handling of specimens, chemicals, and equipment by all staff and ensures adherence to safety regulations. (KSA i) (d) Laboratory Education: Plans and administers an ongoing continuing education program for laboratory staff to meet accreditation requirements. (KSA j) (e) Automated Data Processing Applications Coordinator: Carries out day-to-day operations related to laboratory information systems/computer use and system maintenance. (KSA k) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate KSAs (a)-(f) and additional KSAs based on the specific duties assigned: (a) 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. (b) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis. (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 organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments, both individual and team related. (f) Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity. (g) Skill in performing detailed Mohs procedures. (h) Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy, and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings. (i) Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines from organizations such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), The Joint Commission (TJC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation. (j) Skill in planning and administering an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. (k)Skill in maintaining and troubleshooting computers and laboratory system instrumentation. References: VA Handbook 5005/118, Part II, Appendix G65 Physical Requirements: Sitting for above average periods of time; Light to moderate (0-44lbs.) lifting and carrying; Straight pulling and/or pushing; Walking and/or standing; Repeated bending and/or reaching above the shoulders; Use of both legs, both hands and fingers; Fine manual dexterity and motor skills; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Ability to see in both eyes, as depth perception is required.; Hand-eye coordination; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors.; Hearing (Aid permitted); Multiple repetitive motion activities of the hands, wrist and arms.

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 Chalmers P Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic 420 North James Road Columbus, OH 43219 US
• Name: Leslie Duckett
• Phone: 614-388-7836
• Email: [email protected]