The Histopathology Technologist within the Pathology and Laboratory Service line deals with the structure of cells and their formation into tissues and organs. They utilize information technology systems to apply techniques and broad scientific principles for the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology.

Duties

Kansas City VA Medical Center is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans. Duties will include, but may not be limited to the following: Prepares and processes surgically removed tissue, autopsy tissue, fine needle. aspirates, exfoliative cytology, and body fluids. Performs fixation, the stabilization of proteins, on tissue and cytology specimens. Performs decalcification on ossified tissue and bone marrow biopsies and the correct degree on decalcification must be recognized. Prepares cytology specimens by fixation with appropriate fixative, refrigeration. and centrifugation, preparing smear, thin-layer cytology or cytospin slides. Cuts tissue paraffin blocks on the rotary microtome preparing slides for routine. Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, for special stains, histochemical stains, and immunoperoxidase stains. Freezes, cuts, and stains frozen tissue sections that have been sent from the operating room for immediate diagnosis. Performs staining of the routine hematoxylin and eosin stain, special stains for identification of microbial organisms, histochemical stains for identification of various human cellular constituents, immunohistochemical stains for identification of proteins, and in-situ hybridization for identification of nucleic acid sequences that are necessary in many cases to enable the pathologist to arrive at a diagnosis. Performs and documents established quality control and quality assurance. procedures to check the accuracy and validity of work. Identifies unusual discrepancies/conditions that may cause erroneous results and takes appropriate action to make corrections and solve problems. Performs SNOMED (systematized nomenclature of disease) searches in laboratory information system to identify tissue blocks to use as controls. Researches and pulls appropriate tissue controls needed for special stain procedures and complex immunohistochemical testing. Retentions and disposal of slide and block in compliance with College of American Pathologists (CAP) and VHA regulations. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures. Correlates and integrates information and performs additional testing to confirm. abnormal results as per policies and procedures. Performs validation studies for new special stains and immunohistochemical. stains, prognostic markers. Ensures patient safety by maintaining unique specimen identification and specimen. Prepares and mails surgical and/or autopsy material to the Joint Pathology Center in Bethesda, MD, per VA regulations. Tracks and logs all slides going to and from internal departments utilizing a computer tracking system. Performs daily temperature and humidity checks of refrigerators, water baths, rooms and equipment either manually or by utilizing the electronic temperature monitoring system. Performs immunohistochemical proficiency testing surveys within CAP regulatory guidelines. Participates in competency assessments of samples and procedures that are introduced as a means of checking performance. Work Schedule: Full-Time 7:30-4pm Monday - Friday 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: Candidates must be a United States citizen. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with the 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, pre medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy. English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. 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). Preferred Experience: At least 2 year experience working independently as a histopathology technologist; HLT certified. Grade Determinations: GS-7 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-9 (Full Performance Level) 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. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity. 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. Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient's sample. Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments; both individual and team related. 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 G65 November 25, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 9. Physical Requirements: Must meet physical standards for the position. the work is normally completed in an indoor office setting. Must be able to see colors and is required to stand, bend, stoop, lift and kneel for long periods of time. Must be able to lift heavy objects, climb ladders and stairs, and maintain self-control in a difficult and stressful situations. Working in a clinical laboratory also involves regular and recurring risks to infectious substances and irritant reagents. Will be required to wear protective clothing and take safety precautions. A physical examination prior to placement is required

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 Kansas City VA Medical Center 4801 Linwood Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64128 US
• Name: Patricia Arrieche
• Phone: 316-469-0916
• Email: [email protected]