A Histopathology Technician at the full performance level (FPL) uses independent judgement to perform a full range of duties. The histopathology technician carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision. This includes routine and complex histopathological and cytopathological procedures, quality control and assurance procedures, operation and routine maintenance of instrumentation, troubleshooting, and principles of performance improvement.

Duties

The duties and responsibilities of a Histopathology Technician at FPL include but are not limited to the following: Maintains knowledge of and complies with federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing tasks of the histopathology technician occupation involving anatomic pathology, i.e. surgical pathology, autopsy pathology and cytopathology. Maintains and documents the optimal function of laboratory equipment. Uses, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control and participates in quality assurance activities. Adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the workplace. Identifies discrepancies. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying histopathology and cytopathology principles. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Ensures and maintains accurate patient identification through the chain of custody of the specimen. Prepares technically adequate slides of surgical, cytology, and autopsy specimens by processing, embedding tissue, cutting, staining and coverslipping. Utilizes specialized techniques for handling cell blocks, frozen sections, bone marrows, autopsies, and fine-needle biopsies. Assists in autopsy procedures and the maintenance of the autopsy suite, as needed. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0730-1600 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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. Experience and Education (1) Experience. One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician. OR, (2) Education (a) Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation such as biological science or chemistry; or (b) Successful completion of two academic years of study above high school that included at least 24 semester hours in Chemistry and/or in appropriate fields of biological science and successful completion of a 12-month program of education and training in histopathology or cytotechnology. OR, (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science, surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or an associate's degree in a health care related field. (b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces. English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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 Technician, GS-5 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Histopathology Technician, GS-6 (Full Performance Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAS). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. (a) Knowledge of professional anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work. (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures, principles of performance improvement, reagent management, inventory supply systems, and document control systems. (c) Knowledge of anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation. (d) Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. (e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results. Preferred Experience: 1 year prior experience in histopathology procedures References: VA Handbook 5005/102 Part II Appendix G55, April 6, 2018. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: This work requires heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), moderate carrying (15-44 lbs.), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, standing (up to 5 hours), depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors. Environmental factors include formalin, xylene, and infectious agents.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address VA Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Michelle Rootes
• Phone: (907)257-3713
• Email: [email protected]