Clarification from the agency

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

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Major Duties:

• Operates, verifies and maintains correct instrument operation for all equipment in the cytology laboratory, using established procedures and quality control checks in accordance with College of American Pathologists, Joint Commission and VHA guidelines.
• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis. Plans, implements and coordinates preventive maintenance of all instruments, communicating with the Biomedical Department any instrument malfunctions
• Reviews clinical data of patients and evaluates all cytology preparations by light microscopy for the presence or absence of cellular patterns, presence of microorganisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, pre-malignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents.
• Issues and verifies the final diagnosis for negative gynecologic specimens
• Has knowledge of processes and procedures to prepare all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunochemistry testing, as well as preparation, fixation and staining of slides ?
• Prioritizes, prepares, and processes all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunohistochemical testing in compliance with the guidelines of regulatory agencies.
• Instructs others on the proper collection methods and transportation of specimens and determines acceptability of patient samples for processing.
• Acts as a technical resource, troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests, identifies suboptimal issues and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns
• Performs routine maintenance of equipment using standard operating procedures
• Develops new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing and recordkeeping and documentation.
• Selects and performs non-routine and specialized test procedures.
• Recognizes and reacts to indicators or malfunction.
• Evaluates new equipment and makes informed decisions concerning the purchasing of equipment.
• 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).
• 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 cytology specimens for diagnostic procedures while controlling physical conditions and responding to time factors to ensure that they physiological state of the specimen is maintained, which includes the use of centrifuges, cytocentrifuge, Thin Prep processor slide stainer, cell block methods, etc.
• Acknowledges technical limitations and various possibilities for procedural errors in cytopreparation.
• If errors are identified, takes corrective action.
• Assures proper storage and maintenance of cytology records including slides and patient reports.
• Provides training and competency assessment, including effective and professional training for the histopathology and cytopathology technologist(s), technician(s), pathologist assistants, autopsy assistants and other laboratory employees that support the services of the anatomic pathology department.
• Organizes, coordinates and prioritizes simultaneous work assignments, both individual and team related.
• 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.
• Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
• Serves as a cytology subject matter expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring specialized knowledge. Examples include, but are not limited to, molecular testing, pleural fluid analysis and flow cytometry.
• Identifies, defines and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique or controversial aspects of cytology testing where no direct precedent exists
• Others duties as assigned.

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 identification 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.

• 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.

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.
• Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program.
• Certification: Candidates must currently possess either:
  • Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification.
  • Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification

• Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures.
• Knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes to establish and monitor the overall laboratory quality management and quality control program, and initiate corrective action as needed.
• Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
• Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment.
• Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings.
• Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as CAP, JC, and OSHA, and to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation.
• Knowledge and skill to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards.
• Skill to maintain and troubleshoot computers and laboratory system instrumentation.

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.