The Pathology and Laboratory provides specialized diagnostic services to patients admitted to the VA Medical Center located at Perry Point, Baltimore, Martinsburg, GRECC and CBOC locations.

Duties

Major Duties: Reads all medical and gynecological material submitted for cytology from the following VAMHCS facilities: Baltimore, Perry Point and all CBOCs. Provide systematic examination of all material on the slide. Abnormal material marked for the Pathologist review. Written diagnostic interpretation given on all specimens received for processing at the Baltimore laboratory. Responsible for independently reading and providing diagnostic evaluation on all the pap smears. Supply the "Cytyc Thin Prep Pap Test" kit to the gynecology clinics within the above mentioned facilities and work in conjunction with the clinicians to train all users. All pap smears are processed at the Baltimore Laboratory using the thin prep processor. Responsible for training all hospital services to the proper fixation and technique to use the cytolyt solutions for thin prep processing using the Cytyc. All specimens are processed using the Cytyc Processor. Responsible for performing a variety of procedures, including analyses; updating procedural manuals; monitoring the equipment and its accuracy; setting up and monitoring quality controls on equipment and on the diagnostic interpretation, and preparation on all slides read and process in the Baltimore Laboratory. Supervises preparation of reagents, assembles equipment, process specimens using the thin prep processor, control physical conditions to respond to the time factor to ensure that the physiological state of the specimen is maintained. Work Schedule: MON-FRI, 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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: 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 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. Certification (1) Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. English Language Proficiency. Cytotechnologist must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part 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). 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. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard, but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to the position, the following provisions apply: Cytotechnologists that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Cytotechnologists appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended, or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Cytotechnologists initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain education and/or certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Cytotechnologists who were retained in this occupation, under this provision, and subsequently leave the occupation, lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate 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. 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. Skill to maintain and troubleshoot computers and laboratory system instrumentation. References: VA Handbook 5005/126, Part II, Appendix G61 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS11. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, such as prolonged standing, bending - such as over microscopes, reaching for supplies or materials, and lifting items such as centrifuges and wrist strain due to prolonged use of PC keyboards. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities, such as dexterity (to perform intricate collection or analysis procedures) and color vision. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability and ability to read ordinary type without strain.

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 VA Maryland Health Care System 10 North Greene Street Baltimore, MD 21201 US
• Name: Mewael Teklehaimanot
• Phone: 4106057000
• Email: [email protected]