Serves as the Lead, Histopathology Technologist in the Anatomic Pathology Section of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. The Lead 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. They must be able to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation utilized for diagnosis.

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 include but are not limited to: 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 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), Joint Commission (TJC) 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. Mohs: Performs color mapping, embedding with precise orientation, cryostat sectioning, and staining of all types of Moh specimens under the direction of Moh surgeon. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4pm 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 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. English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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: 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. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis. 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. Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample. Ability to monitor and make work assignments, balance workload, and ensure duties are completed in an accurate and timely manner. This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of incomplete work. Preferred Experience: At least 1 year experience working independently as a full-performance level histotechnologist. References: VA Handbook 5005/118 PART II APPENDIX G65 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. 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]