Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. All US Citizens

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• Must apply professional complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
• Identifies and tests suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patients' samples.
• Organizes, coordinates, and prioritizes simultaneous work assignments, both individual and team-related.
• Uses information technology systems and inter-connectivity. Ability to perform specialized microtomy for various applications. Leads in the introduction of new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, record keeping, and documentation.
• Researches, develops, tests, optimizes, and validates complex histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry(IHC) and/or in situ hybridization (ISH) protocols, including, but not limited to, new antibodies, probes, detection protocols/kits, new lots, and concentrated antibody titrations. Conveys knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines from organizations such as College of American Pathologists (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.
• Planning and administering an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards.
• Maintains, operates, and troubleshooting computers and laboratory system instrumentation.
• Examines and describes, using dictating equipment, gross surgical specimens, noting size, color, consistency, and anatomic orientation, identifying abnormalities, and removing appropriate tissue samples for microscopic examination and diagnosis. Orders additional procedures that are appropriate to specific specimens and/or disease states.
• Monitors and makes work assignments, provides input on performance, resolves daily workplace issues, and maintains efficient workflow
• Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: assuring coverage of all areas of responsibility; conducting ongoing reviews to ensure quality of work; providing guidance to staff members, to include changes in policies and procedures: distributing and balancing workload; orienting and providing on-the-job training for new and current employees; and ensuring all training requirements are met in addition to organizing the work structure of his/her assigned areas.
• Oversees the proper processing of tissue specimens, especially those requiring special handling (i.e., immunofluorescence, special histological staining, or techniques, etc.), independently evaluating the acceptability of submitted material and, acting for the Chief, Anatomic pathology Service, returning unacceptable specimens, with explanation, to the contributor.
• Prepares frozen sections for the Pathologist to include gross description, cryostat sectioning and staining of glass slides.
• Processes all cytological specimens: Prepares smears, cellblocks, and special stains. Assists the Pathologist with Fine Needle Aspirations.
• Embeds tissue with proper orientation in a variety of media.
• Utilizes a microtome or cryostat to section embedded tissue.
• Determines the appropriate number of levels to cut for the type of embedded specimen.
• Determines which special stain is required to demonstrate tissue elements and properties (i.e., Congo Red for amyloid or Fontana-Masson for melanin).
• Performs microscopic evaluation of stains for acceptability of stain reaction through the utilization of positive and negative quality control.
• Performs complex immunohistochemical procedures and staining
• Provides guidance to pathologists and other staff members on immunohistochemical antibodies and their specificities.
• Prepares Histology for the Joint Commission, OSHA, EPA, and the College of American Pathologists inspections.
• Instructs staff members and trainees (if applicable) in the procedures and techniques used in examining, describing and dissecting organs and tissues removed during surgery, including pathophysiology of disease processes, recognition and identification of abnormalities and disease entities, both expected and unexpected, type and purpose of surgery performed, anatomic orientation of tissues and organs, and
  procedures which enable the pathologist to provide accurate and complete information, upon which therapeutic decisions are often based. Instruction includes demonstrations of techniques and advising as to the best methods of special processing techniques for demonstrating the absence or presence and extent of disease and evaluating adequacy of the surgical procedure performed.
  

Work Schedule: M-F 6:00 am-4:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 59662-O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Education: Candidates 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 laboratory 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
  • OR
  • 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: Must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification.

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:

Lead Histopathology Technologist, GS-11Education 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
• OR
• (b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate level 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

• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA): In addition to the experience or education above, must also demonstrate the following KSAs:

• (a) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis.
• (b) 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.
• (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 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.

• Physical Requirements: must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position involves Heavy Lifting (up to 40 lbs); Heavy Carrying (up to 40 lbs.); Straight Pulling (1-2 hours); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder (occasional); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (1 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Sitting (up to 6 hours); Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted).must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position involves Heavy Lifting (up to 40 lbs); Heavy Carrying (up to 40 lbs.); Straight Pulling (1-2 hours); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder (occasional); Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (1 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Sitting (up to 6 hours); Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted).

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).

Preferred Experience:
One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, directly related to the position to be filled.
OR
Three full years of progressive higher-level graduate education that include a clinical practicum.
OR
A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology, or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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, resume, 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.