Summary Cytotechnologists are certified laboratory professionals performing highly complex laboratory diagnostic testing on human specimens for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease in the specialty of cytopathology. The position requires a professional knowledge of cytotechnology applicable to a wide range of duties in one or more specialty areas or functions and a skill in applying this knowledge in solving very complex problems involving diverse aspects of laboratory practice. Responsibilities The position is located in the Cytology Laboratory at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. The duties and responsibilities of the Cytotechnologist include, but are not limited to the following: Performs diagnostic work with responsibility for identification, localization and interpretation of cellular abnormalities and for coordinating comprehensive routine and highly specialized cytopathology procedures. Makes diagnoses and using clinical history provided and/or consult clinician using experience and knowledge in order to collect significant information necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Ensures the quality of laboratory services and adequacy of equipment, personnel, and working accommodations through on-site inspections and/or review of reports. Establishes and monitors quality control/record keeping systems and measures to assure the accuracy and validity of test results. Solves testing problems, develops new solutions to testing problems, and performs newer/more complex tests and examinations. Interprets agency policies and directives, prepares guidelines governing laboratory operations, and advises supervisors on the preparation, maintenance, review and revision of procedure manuals. Maintains professional currency in a specialized area of laboratory services by subscribing to professional journals, attending professional seminars and participating in professional conferences or training that addresses specialization. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Requirements 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. You may be required to serve a trial period. 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications 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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education: A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs 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: Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) 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: Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09), which is directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience can be defined as but not limited to, independently reviewing clinical data of patients and evaluates all cytology preparations by light microscopy for the presence or absence of cellular patterns, presence of micro-organisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, pre-malignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents; this also includes, identifying issues and verifies the final diagnosis for negative gynecologic specimens, prepares, and processes all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunohistochemical testing in compliance with the guidelines of regulatory agencies. They instruct others on the proper collection methods and transportation of specimens, and determines acceptability of patient samples for processing; performs routine maintenance of equipment using standard operating procedures. Preferred Experience: 1 year in a hospital setting. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures. 2. 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. 3. Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. 4. Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-11 Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary, although there may be some walking or standing, carrying of light items and small instruments per VAMC safety guidelines. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.) Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
