The Primary Purpose of the Position is: Process a variety of anatomical tissue and cytological cell samples using manual or automated techniques, which require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision, to prepare slides for pathologist interpretation to provide a diagnosis that allow clinicians to plan appropriate and life-saving treatments for Veterans. Organization: Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, Anatomic Pathology Section, 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: 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, Education: 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 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, 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: (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: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. 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. 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. Grade Determinations: Histopathology Technician GS-5 (Entry Level): Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. Histopathology Technician GS-6 (Full Performance Level): Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level such as retrieving and accessioning surgical, cytology, and autopsy specimens; enter and track workload data and disposition of pathology materials and documents electronically; perform pre and post-analytical duties; and may assist in preparation of autopsy protocols as assigned. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. Knowledge of professional anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures, principles of performance improvement, reagent management, inventory supply systems, and document control systems. Knowledge of anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation. (d) Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results. Preferred Experience: Completed a histopathology technician program and is certified or eligible for certification. Familiar with embedding tissues. Familiar with cutting tissue blocks and preparing/staining slides. Familiar with operating tissue processors. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds Light carrying, under 15 pounds Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking (2 Hours) Depth perception Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) ["Duties include but are not limited to: Performs a broad range of anatomic pathology procedures to include embedding, cutting, staining, and immunohistochemistry processes. The HT performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Evaluates and solves problems related to processing of biological specimens for analysis, considering physiologic processes and requirements. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of anatomic laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of anatomic laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to processing activities, as well as pre-analytical and analytical test performance, using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Adheres to practices and regulations governing bio-safety and bio-security in the workplace. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and trainees 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. Participates in proficiency testing programs. Performs validation studies on new equipment and test procedures. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Rotating weekends and holidays Tours can change to meet the needs of the service Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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