OUR MISSION: "To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."

Duties

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Maintains knowledge of and complies with federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing tasks of the histopathology technician occupation involving anatomic pathology, i.e. surgical pathology, autopsy pathology and cytopathology. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. Maintains and documents the optimal function of laboratory equipment. Uses, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control, quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement, as applicable. Adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the laboratory Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying histopathology and cytopathology principles. Ensures and maintains accurate patient identification through the chain of custody of the specimen. Prepares technically adequate slides of surgical, cytology, and autopsy specimens by processing, embedding tissue, cutting, staining and cover slipping. Utilizes specialized techniques for handling cell blocks, frozen sections, bone marrows, autopsies, and fine-needle biopsies Examines slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements Identifies problems in processing and staining procedures and makes necessary adjustments as needed for diagnostic purposes Assists in autopsy procedures and the maintenance of the autopsy suite, as needed. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday- Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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 for appointment as a Histopathology Technician: English Language Proficiency Education and/or Experience Combination: Experience: One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of Histopathology Technician 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: (1) 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 (2) 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 Combination of Experience and Education: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. In addition to the Basic Requirements you must meet the following grade requirements: GS-6: Must have at least 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-5 level which is directly related to the position to be filled. Creditable specialized experience typically includes but is not limited to: Experience retrieving and accessioning surgical, cytology, and autopsy specimens. Experience entering and tracking workload data and disposition of pathology materials and documents electronically. Experience performing difficult specialized histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical procedures, developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. Experience performing pre- and post-analytical duties. Experience assisting in preparation of autopsy protocols. **Preferred certification: Histologic Technologist Certification by American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) In addition, one must be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skill and Abilities: KSA 1 - Knowledge of professional anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work. KSA 2 - Knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures, principles of performance improvement, reagent management, inventory supply systems, and document control systems. KSA 3 - Knowledge of anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation. KSA 4 - Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. KSA 5 - Ability to use independent technical judgement to analyze and evaluate laboratory results. References: VA Handbook 5005/102, Part II, Appendix G55, Histopathology Technician Qualification Standards, 4/6/2018. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: The employee works and functions in the medical center in a safe manner, including infection control and following practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. 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 Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 820 South Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60612 US
• Name: Audriana Rosas
• Phone: 414-712-8261
• Email: [email protected]