The Pathology Specialist (Pathologists' Assistant) is the leader and authority for the operations of the Surgical Pathology section including Autopsy services, in the Anatomic Pathology department of Pathology and Laboratory Service at the Orlando VA Medical Center. The Surgical Pathology section provides diagnostic interpretation of human disease and cause of death investigations via postmortem analysis. Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (external link) at the time the degree was obtained. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/06/2024. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized experience: Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: assisting in the the gross examination, evaluation and dissection of surgical pathology, autopsy, and occasionally cytology samples; knowledge of current literature, scientific methodologies, and state-of-the-art practices in anatomic pathology to include histotechnology, immunology, and cell biology sufficient to comprehend complex theories and reactions and apply knowledge through specialized processing of samples including decalcification and fixation and preparation of samples for ancillary testing including flow cytometry, cytology, and microbiology. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Bachelors or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR, Combination of Experience & Education: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an appropriate combination of specialized experience and education. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Analysis and Problem Solving Diagnostic Medical Testing Medical Information Quality Assurance Technical Competence 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work requires above average manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision, regular and recurring physical exertion such as the use of a manual cryostat, climbing stairs, standing for long periods of time while performing gross examinations, bending when performing frozen sections, and lifting 5 gallon containers and moving human bodies. Intense concentration in noisy and congested areas is required. Significant time using a computer is required. It is imperative that the incumbent has a high degree of tolerance and ability to work under stress which at times can be irregular and sometimes constant. Additionally, the demand for accuracy and timeliness in results to pathologists responsible for patient care is an ever-present responsibility and a constant concern. At times, immediate action is required to produce information, solve a technical issue, or interact another VA employee. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. ["Duties include but are not limited to: Acts on behalf of the pathologists in daily functions in the anatomic pathology section to carry examination of surgical specimens for diagnosis, as needed. Translates comprehensive knowledge of theories, principles and criteria of human disease, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, and embryology to distinguish normal versus disease states including variations in size, configuration, and structural details of all human organs and organ systems, including specific knowledge of procedures to demonstrate types of neoplasms and infectious processes which may be present in specific specimens or anatomic location, including disease processes that manifest in various specimens in order to make critical evaluations of surgical specimens submitted for diagnosis. Makes critical evaluations of surgical specimens submitted for interoperative diagnosis requiring urgent (STAT) results to providers. Unique skills to perform complex methods of frozen section techniques and apply biochemical histochemistry methods to specimen sections and touch preparations. Implements procedures and trains staff and evaluates the performance of staff assisting in the procedures. Uses extensive knowledge of current literature, scientific methodologies, and state-of-the-art practices in anatomic pathology to include histotechnology, immunology and cell biology sufficient to comprehend complex theories and reactions and apply knowledge through specialized processing of samples including decalcification and fixation and preparation of samples for ancillary testing including flow cytometry, cytology, and microbiology. Conducts standard autopsy procedures (e.g., Rokitansky and Virchow methods), and a comprehensive understanding of disease processes to implement modifications of these techniques in specific cases, as necessary. Knowledge of medicolegal requirements; VA, and departmental policies; and esthetically acceptable practices to determine that autopsy permits are properly executed, and to ensure that prescribed procedures regarding the care and disposition of remains are meticulously followed by supervising others involved in the process. Demonstrates the requirements of licensing and accrediting agencies (e.g., College of American Pathologists, The Joint Commission, Residency Review Committee, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Environmental Protection Agency), federal regulations and statutes (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act and modifications, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and state and federal medicolegal issues to ensure conformance. Develops and implements process to meet the standards. Implements knowledge of biological and environmental hazards in laboratories and recommendations of appropriate organizations for protecting the health of those working in these areas. Knowledge of recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Joint Pathology Center (JPC), and other organizations concerned with infection prevention and control, in order to plan and implement policies and procedures for the protection of laboratory personnel and professional staff against the hazards of infectious diseases to which they may be exposed during transportation, fixation, grossing, processing, storing and disposal of human tissues and chemicals. Develops and implements processes to reduce hazards. Unique knowledge and skill in the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all equipment used in the Surgical Pathology Section. Comprehension and judgement required to solve complex procedural and instrumentation problems so that impact on patient testing is eliminated or minimized. Develops and succinctly writes new procedures for manuals. Implements various teaching materials and training techniques, and the ability to apply these tools to individual training situations, to effectively instruct medical residents, pathology residents and other trainees of varying levels of competence in sophisticated methodologies and techniques. Proficient in using computer programs including but not limited to VISTA, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Power Point, and the Intranet/Internet. Skills in working with groups; for example, participating in the orientation and training of new employees in Anatomic Pathology. Incumbent can adapt training techniques to the level of sophistication of the individual(s) being trained. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Pathology Specialist/PD05665A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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