Summary The Histopathology Technologist serves as a specialized technologist in the Anatomic Pathology(AP) section of the John D. Dingell VAMC- Detroit, MI. The Histopathology Technologist independently performs a wide scope of routine and specialized tests. In addition to an in-depth working knowledge of histotechnology and cytotechnology procedures , the position requires a progressive knowledge of information technology systems, including knowledge of computer-based anatomic pathology equipment. Responsibilities Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Performing independently using technical judgement for analysis evaluation and problem resolution in their duties. Performing functions on both the JDDVAMC and the PALMS laboratory information systems including their inter-connectivity. Demonstrating histotechnology chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles theories, concepts techniques and methodologies sufficient to process both surgical and cytology pathology specimens. Applying difficult complex anatomic pathology principles, practice concepts and theories, as they pertain to Quality control and assurance procedures, Performance improvement principles, Reagent and supply management, Document control and workload recording systems, Human anatomy, specialized testing methods and techniques. Identifying and testing suboptimal specimens· taking corrective action to minimize the impact on a patient's specimen. Following standard operating procedures (SOP) and/or seeking guidance to reconcile any discrepancies, as needed. Performing technical oversight of quality control procedures, to include troubleshooting and problem resolution, on equipment ,reagents and products, while keeping proper records for quality assurance and quality control reports. Organizing, coordinating and prioritizing simultaneous individual work assignments. Performing routine Anatomic Pathology procedures Specimen accessioning, processing, embedding, cutting (microtomy) staining and coverslipping, Performing quality control on daily stain control slide, Tracking specimens through our processes using computer based 2D barcode technology, Preparing and distributing technically acceptable slides of surgical, cytology and autopsy specimens for analysis, Assisting the pathologist and/r clinician during an autopsy, fine needle aspirate or kidney biopsy procedure, Performing techniques for handling bone marrow autopsy, cell block and fine-needle biopsy specimens, Cryomicrotomy and staining frozen section specimens, Chemical viability evaluation and testing. Performing complex Anatomic Pathology procedures to include lmmunohistochemistry staining, to include antibody, reagent and control verification, Special staining, to include reagent and control verification, selecting appropriate tissue section/instrumentation for cutting bone specimens. Following established procedures to perform scheduled preventive maintenance on instruments and equipment while verifying correct operation. Documents instrument maintenance in the appropriate logbooks/binders. Reports any problems and/or concerns to the Anatomic Pathology supervisor. Identifying the cause of instrument and equipment problems and making instrument repairs, as needed. Performing SnoMed coding, to include surgical, cytology and autopsy reports. Communicating effectively; to include constructive interaction and cooperation with all customers, internal and external. Treating visitors to the work area, including telephone inquiries, with competency, respect and courtesy, seeking assistance when needed. Work Schedule: Full time, Monday- Friday; 07:00am - 03:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS#91463-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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. 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. 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. Loss of Certification. Employees who fail to maintain the required certification must be removed from the histopathology technologist, GS-0601 occupation, which may result in termination of employment. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: 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. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Individuals must meet one of the requirements below: Successful completion of a full four-year course of study from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, that included a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of a histopathology technologist, such as, but not limited to clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy; OR, Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both);OR, Successful completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education, leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, with a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the position of histopathology technologist, such as clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy. Certification: Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. The ASCP requires completion of one of the following for a candidate to be considered "board eligible" to take the certification exam: (a) Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS);OR, (b) One year of full time experience in all of the following: fixation, embedding, microtomy, processing, and staining in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry, or research) laboratory. Exception for Non-Board Certified. Non-board-certified candidates designated by ASCP as "board eligible," who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a histopathology technologist working under the direct oversight of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience. 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 Technologist GS-9 ( Full Performance Level) Experience. Must have One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. This experience may include but is not limited to; work in developmental positions practicing under close supervision of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1.Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity. 2. Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens, and the ability to perform a full range of routine specialized tests. 3. Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient's sample. 4. Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments; both individual and team related. 5. Skill in applying professional, anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Assignment. At the full performance level, the histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. Utilize information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. The histopathology technologist acts as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. The histopathology technologist ensures goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks. The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to perform new or difficult specialized testing methods, such as immunohistochemical, histochemical, and frozen section techniques. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA HANDBOOK 5005/118 November 25, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G65. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Sitting for above average periods of time, Light to moderate (0-44 lbs.) lifting and carrying, Straight pulling and/or pushing, Walking and/or standing, Repeated bending and/or reaching above the shoulders, Use of both legs, both hands and fingers, Fine manual dexterity and motor skills, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Ability to see in both eyes, as depth perception is required, Hand-eye coordination, Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of color, Hearing (aid pen11itted).Multiple repetitive motion activities of the hands, wrist and arms. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript (official or unofficial) must be submitted with your application. A screenshot of your classes or a copy of your diploma are not an acceptable substitute for your transcript and will not be used in qualifying. 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/. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education 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. 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. VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the @context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
