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).

Duties

Major Duties: A. PROCESSING SURGICAL, CYTOLOGY, & HEMATOPOIETIC SPECIMENS: 1. 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. 2. Stains patient tissues slides with Automated systems and prepares and stains manually for all Special stain techniques. Validates test systems for special stains and performs and evaluates required quality control. Performs and maintains all records of new/lot old lot validations per regulatory agency requirements. Trouble shoots any improper staining. Determines specificity and dilutions for special stain protocols. Operates equipment such as microscopes, microtomes, tissue processors, cryostats, embedding centers, and histochemical / immunohistochemical stainers. Calibrates, performs preventive maintenance and records required function checks. Perform highly troubleshooting, and specialized decontamination techniques on Special stain Instruments. May be designated as a Key Operator for equipment/test systems. Reports needed repairs to Health Technology Management. Relays inventory needs to AP Supervisor. B. RECUTS, SPECIAL STAINS AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY STAINING 1. 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. 2. Prepares reagents for special staining procedures which are used by pathologist in differential diagnosis, involving histochemical or immunochemical reactions. Obtains, prepares, and performs a preliminary evaluation of control tissues. Performs stains according to written procedures and develops new procedures. Results are evaluated on undiagnosed tissue and controls; results outside of established guidelines are recognized and corrective action is taken and documented. C. FROZEN SECTION LABORATORY COVERAGE 1. Performs procedures in the frozen section laboratory. 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. 2. Prepares quality frozen sections per accrediting agency guidelines to provide rapid diagnosis in surgical cases (intra operative consultations). D. MAINTAINS REPORTS, RECORDS AND MATERIALS 1. 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)). 2. Assist the supervisor of the Histology Section with implementation of all quality assurance programs pertaining to histology and the morgue, such as internal/external and regional quality control programs. This includes but is not limited to Instrument preventive maintenance and annual procedure manual reviews and updates. The incumbent also identifies opportunities for improvement and proposes plans to correct identified deficiencies. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92085-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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. English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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, pre-medical, 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. (1) 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. (2) Exception for Non-Board Certified. Non-board-certified candidates designated by ASCP as "board eligible," who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a histopathology technologist working under the direct oversight of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience. This exception only applies at the entry level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must have HTL certification. Temporary appointments of non-board-certified histopathology technologists may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment. (3) Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, non-board-certified histopathology technologists must meet one of the ASCP histotechnologist eligibility routes at the date of their appointment and must actively pursue certification from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the histopathology technologist with the written requirement to obtain certification, the date by which the certification must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to obtain board certification by the prescribed date will result in removal from the histopathology technologist, GS-0601 occupational series and may result in termination of employment. 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-7 (1) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (2) Assignment. At this level, histopathology technologists serve in developmental positions practicing under close supervision of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience. Histopathology Technologist, GS-9 (1) Experience. Must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. (2) Assignment. At the full performance level, the histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. Utilize information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. The histopathology technologist acts as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. The histopathology technologist ensures goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks. The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to perform new or difficult specialized testing methods, such as immunohistochemical, histochemical, and frozen section techniques. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity. (b) Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens, and the ability to perform a full range of routine specialized tests. (c) Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient's sample. (d) Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments; both individual and team related. (e) Skill in applying professional, anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/118 PART II APPENDIX G65The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-09. Physical Requirement The work is performed in the anatomic pathology section of the laboratory within VHACOS. Specimens are considered potentially hazardous and biohazard precautions must be followed. Use of toxic or caustic materials during procedures may be required. Personal protective equipment must be used. Safety regulations are followed as appropriate for each procedure and/or activity. Access to Material Safety Data Sheets is provided. Accidents and/or potential safety hazards must be reported to the Anatomic Pathology Supervisor and/or facility Safety Specialist for investigation and follow-up. The work requires regular physical exertion that consists of mainly long periods of standing and some bending and lifting for the handling of supplies and equipment. In addition, manual skills are required to be able to perform delicate procedures.

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]