The Histopathology Technologist serves as a specialized technologist in the Anatomic Pathology (AP) section of the Pathology & Laboratory Medicines Services (PALMS) at the LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center, and at the Dermatology clinic locations within the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. This is an advanced position for the histopathology department acting as the subject matter expert of histology procedures and processes for the histology department, to include knowledge of Mohs.

Duties

Major Duties and Responsibilities: This position requires knowledge of histotechnology and cytotechnology procedures, information technology systems including computer-based anatomic pathology equipment. A broad scientific understanding of principles from biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology are needed, as the Histopathology Technologist serves as a technical resource; troubleshooting a variety of routine and specialized testing; identifying suboptimal issues and/or concerns and using independent judgement and resources to resolve such issues and/or concerns. Must be able to work independently, prioritize and perform simultaneous tasks, and assist co-workers in times of short staffing or heavy workload. Histopathology Technologist must be able to function independently in multiple areas of the Anatomic Pathology laboratory, including histopathology, cytopathology, immunohistochemistry, special stains, and the autopsy suite (morgue). (S)He will introduce new tests, including stain protocol research; test protocol setup; validation testing; record-keeping and documentation; utilize information technology to perform tasks related to histotechnology. Mohs procedure: assist the providers with Mohs procedure in the Anatomic department or at the Dermatology clinic; performs color mapping, embedding with precise orientation, cryostat sectioning and freezing, and staining of all types of Mohs specimens under the direction of the Mohs surgeon. Ensuring precise orientation and a complete peripheral and deep margin for inspection. NOTE: This responsibility is completed in proximity and under direct supervision of the Mohs Micrographic surgeon. Maintaining the Mohs laboratory, with assistance from the Mohs micrographic surgeon, the Anatomic Pathology Supervisor and the Chief of Pathology including slide management, quality assurance, and maintenance of equipment and slides. Performs routine and complex histopathologic, Mohs micrographic surgery-related, and cytopathologic procedures. Responsible for advanced testing including, but not limited to histochemical and immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), special stains, and gross dissection including bone and tissues procedures and quality assurance/quality control as dictated by the lab's needs. Provides support to the telepathology program in whole slide imaging (WSI), performing, validations, function verification and maintaining quality control methods. Provides support to physician pathologists by performing gross description of specific designated surgical pathology specimens and submission of these specimens for processing, requiring knowledge of anatomy, gross pathology, fine needle aspirations, and surgical procedures; and assists Pathologists when needed (i.e., frozen specimens, making tissue cassettes, retrieval of specimens and slides, recording data, miscellaneous paperwork). Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines from organizations such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), The Joint Commission (TJC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements. Assist in establish new, revising, and following standard operating procedures (SOP) and/or seeking guidance to reconcile any discrepancies, as needed. Performing technical oversight of the operations, calibration, maintenance, and quality control procedures, including troubleshooting and problem resolution, on equipment, reagents, and products used in Mohs surgery, surgical pathology, immunohistochemistry, molecular testing, and special stains. Record management for quality assurance using principles of performance improvement. Overseeing other technologists and technicians and performing routine Anatomic Pathology procedures Attends and participates in departmental meetings, training sessions or educational opportunities as required. Communicating effectively; to include constructive interaction and cooperation with all customers, internal and external. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor, the Manager, the Chief, or the designee on the Management team. Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD930300 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, 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: 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) 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: Histopathology Technologist, 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. Assignment: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, the 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. Must be able to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis; perform advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples; and guide staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens. Act as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and using independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. Organize, coordinate, and prioritize work assignments. The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. At the advanced level, the histopathology technologists introduce new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, and record-keeping and documentation. Utilize information technology to perform tasks related to histotechnology. In addition to histochemical and immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing, the technologist is responsible for advanced testing including, but not limited to, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), and gross dissection, as dictated by the lab's needs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate KSAs (a)-(f) and additional KSAs based on the specific duties assigned: (a)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. (b)Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis. (c)Ability in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. (d)Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample. (e)Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments, both individual and team related. (f)Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity. (g)Ability in performing detailed Mohs procedures. (h)Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy, and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings. (i)Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines from organizations such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), The Joint Commission (TJC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation. (j)Ability in planning and administering an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. (k)Ability in maintaining and troubleshooting computers and laboratory system instrumentation. Preferred experience: Knowledge of Mohs procedure preferred References: VA Handbook 5005/118, Part II, Appendix G65 Physical Requirements: Sitting for above average periods of time; Light to moderate (0-44lbs.) lifting and carrying; Straight pulling and/or pushing; Walking and/or standing; Repeated bending and/or reaching above the shoulders; Use of both legs, both hands and fingers; Fine manual dexterity and motor skills; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Ability to see in both eyes, as depth perception is required.; Hand-eye coordination; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors.; Hearing (Aid permitted); Multiple repetitive motion activities of the hands, wrist and arms. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.

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.

Note: Advanced duties may include one or more of the tasks identified below. Additionally, when these duties are required, the advanced histopathology technologist must demonstrate the corresponding KSAs as identified in KSAs: (a) *Mohs: Performs color mapping, embedding with precise orientation, cryostat sectioning, and staining of all types of Mohs specimens under the direction of the Mohs surgeon. (KSA g) (b) **Electron Microscopy (EM): Utilizes an electron microscope, performs ultrathin- cryomicrotomy, and carries out staining of ultrastructural components. (KSA h) (c) ***Safety Coordination: Oversees safe handling of specimens, chemicals, and equipment by all staff and ensures adherence to safety regulations. (KSA i) (d) ****Laboratory Education: Plans and administers an ongoing continuing education program for laboratory staff to meet accreditation requirements. (KSA j) (e) *****Automated Data Processing Applications Coordinator: Carries out day-to-day operations related to laboratory information systems/computer use and system maintenance.

Grandfathering Provision: All histopathology technologists employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series, who perform the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all 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 in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to the position, the following provisions apply: (1) Histopathology technologists who 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 a supervisory or managerial position. (2) Histopathology technologists who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or receive a new appointment on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) Histopathology technologists initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain education and/or certification that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (4) If histopathology technologists, who are grandfathered under this provision, leave the occupation then those employees lose grandfathered protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the histopathology technologist occupation in this series.

Contacts

• Address Ann Arbor VA Medical Center 2215 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 US
• Name: Danielle Bottomley
• Phone: (734) 263-5375
• Email: [email protected]