As crucial members of the pathology and laboratory medicine service, histopathology technologists possess broad knowledge of biological sciences and the skills necessary to process anatomic pathology specimens.

Duties

Duties Include: Performs accessioning duties. Receives and accessions specimens, checking documentation of patient demographic data, requesting practitioner, requested procedures, appropriateness of sample. Instructs doctors and nursing personnel and other personnel in the proper techniques of collection and preparation of the materials desired for testing and diagnosis. Prepares specimens for analysis according to the specifications of the procedure. Using an understanding of anatomy and tissue identification, the incumbent properly orients tissue specimens for embedding into paraffin wax. Embedding techniques must allow tissue to be hardened in paraffin on one plane and oriented with the least surface resistance for proper sectioning. Recognizes origin and type of tissues and properly orients and cuts small or complex specimens. Accessions and processes cytological specimens including sputa, body secretions, fluids and fine needle aspirates as assigned. Stains cytological specimens separately and performs special stains when required. Performs preparation of Frozen Sections for rapid interpretation/diagnosis of tissue during surgery. Orients, cuts and stains skin and other surgical specimens using a cryostat and rapid staining techniques to prepare quality sections free of artifacts. Teaches and trains other laboratory personnel to perform immunohistochemical and stains. Under the direction of the supervisor maintains QA files of blocks and slides needed to perform special stains and immunohistochemistry stains in the laboratory. As special staining requires microscopic differentiation for acceptance, the incumbent examines the slides microscopically and accepts or rejects them on the basis of proper staining reaction within the control slides. Prepares all stains and chemical solutions with a competent, practical knowledge of chemistry. This includes alteration and standardization of pH and concentration of the solutions (percent, molar and/or normal), reagents, buffers and stains, using pH meters, analytical balances and mixers. Since many of these reagents and solutions are toxic, caustic or flammable (e.g. formaldehyde, acids, alcohols). Prepares chemical stains and solutions used in the histology laboratory, i.e. hematoxylin solution, according to directions from laboratory guidelines, buffering the solutions and checking the pH as necessary. These stains and solutions must be of excellent quality in order to ensure that the tissue will yield the maximum diagnostic information. Recognizes instrument or equipment malfunction or trends, initiates corrective action when necessary. Refers to Operational Manual (or other available information), if indicated. Provides information requested from physicians, nurses, ward clerks, etc. regarding the function and operation of the Laboratory Service as it relates to patient care. Assists in the compiling of laboratory data for required statistical reports. Prepares samples for transport to reference laboratories for testing unavailable on site, including the appropriate handling of cytology specimens, slides and/r paraffin blocks. Researches patient history and tests available for the pathologist. Maintains the integrity of patient samples, guides clinicians on collection procedures, and tracks test results for timely completion of reports. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Histopathology Technologist Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education-Transcripts Supplied: 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, 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 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. 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must have HTL certification. Grade Determinations: Histopathology Technologist, GS-7 Experience.None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. At this level, histopathology technologists serve in developmental positions practicing under close supervision of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience GS-9 (Full Performance Level) - Certification must be submitted for GS-9 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. 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. Assignment. At the full performance level, the histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. Utilize information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. The histopathology technologist acts as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. The histopathology technologist ensures goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks. The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to perform new or difficult specialized testing methods, such as immunohistochemical, histochemical, and frozen section techniques. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/118 Part II Appendix G65 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7 or GS-09.

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 West Palm Beach VA Medical Center 7305 North Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33410 US
• Name: Samantha Portuondo
• Phone: (727) 398-6661
• Email: [email protected]