This Histopathology Technologist position is located at the Clement J Zablocki Veterans Hospital, 5000 West National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295.

Duties

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: 2023 VHA Total Reward$ of an Allied Health Professions Career Brochure (va.gov) The incumbent at this level is at the full performance level, and can independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. The Histopathology Technologist utilizes 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 5 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. Major Duties:. Evaluates the suitability of specimens for sectioning and staining, prepares specimens for analysis and ensures that proper conditions are maintained. This includes, but is not limited to, specimen accessioning, frozen section preparation, routine tissue embedding and cutting, slide preparation and staining. Performs routine, special and immunohistochemical staining, using both manual and automated methods in accordance with standardized protocols. Selects and performs non-routine and specialized test procedures. Recognizes and reacts to indicators or malfunction. Informs Supervisor and/or Lead Tech of problems that arise. Operates, verifies and maintains correct instrument operation for all equipment in the histology laboratory, using established procedures and quality control checks in accordance with regulatory/accrediting agency standards, e.g. College of American Pathologists, Joint Commission, etc. and VHA guidelines. Prepares reagent and control materials. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products, and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Conveys pertinent information to those professionals of the Anatomic Pathology and Medical Center staff directly responsible for patient care in regard to proper collection methods, transportation of specimens, etc. Communicates effectively and courteously and provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients and others). Evaluates and/or determines the proper technical procedure appropriate in the preparation of specific histology specimens. Receives specimen and review accompanying requisitions for completeness and accuracy. Accessions specimens, determining adequacy and quality prior to recording the data in the computer. Processes and prepares all histology specimens for diagnostic procedures while controlling physical conditions and responding to time factors to ensure that they physiological state of the specimen is maintained. This includes, but may not be limited to, microtomes, embedding equipment, tissue processors and stainers. Utilizes appropriate fixation and staining techniques, including hematoxylin and eosin, Hema-diff stains, etc. Follows quality control procedures to determine the quality of the staining processes. Acknowledges technical limitations and various possibilities for procedural errors in histopreparation. If errors are identified, takes corrective action. Assures proper storage and maintenance of histology records including slides and patient reports. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. 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. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full Time; Monday- Friday 8:00AM- 4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual/Remote: This is not a virtual/remote position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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: Must be a citizen of the United States. 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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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, Bachelor's 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, pre medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy. Certification: (COPY OF CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED) 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: Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). OR, 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. In addition to the Basic Requirements above, the candidate must meet the following Grade Requirements. GS-9 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: 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. In addition to the Grade Requirements above, you must also demonstrate the following: GS-9 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 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. 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-09. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Clement J Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center 5000 West National Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53295 US
• Name: Vivian Cunningham
• Phone: 217-554-5002
• Email: [email protected]