Incumbent serves as the Lead, Histopathology Technologist in the Anatomic Pathology Section of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Orlando 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.

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. 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. English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grandfathering Provision: 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 Requirements 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: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate KSAs (a)-(f) and additional KSA's based on these 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 test. (b) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis. (c) Skill 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 interconnectivity. (g)* Skill 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 Pathologist (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. 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 situation. 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 Orlando VA Medical Center 13800 Veterans Way Orlando, FL 32827 US
• Name: Rodney Robinson
• Email: [email protected]