Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

Summary

The advanced histopathology technician will have the responsibility of performing difficult 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.

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

• Citizenship: Citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.) Experience and Education 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 below: 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
• 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
• Certification: None
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5.a. - this part
• 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: Histopathology Technician - GS-7 (Advanced) Experience
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
  
  

Duties

• The duties and responsibilities of the Histopathology Technician include but are not limited to the following: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing tasks of the histopathology technician occupation involving anatomic pathology - i.e
• surgical pathology - autopsy pathology and cytopathology
• Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
• recognizes deviation from expected results
• analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation taking into account physiologic processes and requirements
• Maintains and documents the optimal function of laboratory equipment
• Uses - identifies malfunctions - repairs - and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction
• Performs and documents quality control - quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement - as applicable
• 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 theoretical knowledge
• Interprets findings and makes recommendations
• 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
• 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 histopathology and cytopathology principles
• Ensures and maintains accurate patient identification through the chain of custody of the specimen
• Prepares technically adequate slides of surgical - cytology - and autopsy specimens by processing - embedding tissue - cutting - staining and coverslipping
• Utilizes specialized techniques for handling cell blocks - frozen sections - bone marrows - autopsies - and fine-needle biopsies
• Examines slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements
• Identifies problems in processing and staining procedures and makes necessary adjustments as needed for diagnostic purposes
• Work Schedule: Monday to Friday - 8:00 a.m
• to 4:30 p.m
• Telework: Not available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 13979F
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.