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Histopathology technicians (HT) at this level have a higher level of technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The HT at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision.
Histopathology technician positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; troubleshoot issues with instrumentation; resolve problems encountered in the laboratory, and provide education for laboratory/other healthcare professionals and others in the medical center setting. For all assignments above the full performance level (GS-6), 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities

- Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles,
practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
- Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement exhibiting
competence in managing reagent and supply inventories and document control systems.
- Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting.
- Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results and resolve problems.

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES:

The histopathology technicians rotates on a regular basis through the areas in which they have been trained and are competent. The incumbent also works weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need. The duties and responsibilities of the GS-7 histopathology technician includes all duties at the entry and full performance level positions, plus the following:

Duties/Tasks

- Maintains knowledge of and complies with federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
- Performs a broad range of histological and histochemical procedures. In addition, performs advanced and complex histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Recognizes and communicates pre-defined critical results affecting patient care.
- Develops, modifies, or adapts new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histo-technology procedures.
- Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
- Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Troubleshoots issues with laboratory instruments and resolves problems. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
- Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
- Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
- Follows College of American Pathologist (CAP) accreditation regulations and applicable Federal, State and Local laws, guidelines and regulations. Assists with CAP checklist self-evaluation.
- Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and suggests solutions.
- Answers inquiries regarding histological slide/test results, staining methodology-and specific factors, which influence histologic test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up staining selection or procedures.
- Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the histology laboratory.
- Assists with instruction and training of new employees, residents 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 principles of laboratory testing.
- Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

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.
• 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.

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).

Grandfathering Provision. All Histopathology Technicians employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation.
(2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
(3) If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

Preferred Experience:
- Skill, knowledge, and experience
o Working in a clinical laboratory in the department of histology
o Performing of clinical lab specimens
o Cutting and embedding body tissues in a clinical lab setting
o Working with IHC stains

Grade Determinations:
(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

(2) Assignment. Histopathology technicians at this level generally have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight, and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The incumbent will have the responsibility of performing difficult specialized histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical procedures, as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. The technician will be responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems. 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.

(3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs.
(a) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
(b) Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement exhibiting competence in managing reagent and supply inventories and document control systems.
(c) Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting.
(d) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems.

References:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/102,PART II, APPENDIX G55

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.