Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Responsibilities Evaluates the quality and adequacy of all patient samples before accepting and logging them into the section. Prepares and stains cytology slides for all GYN and non-GYN specimens. Evaluates the quality of all cytology preparations by light microscopy. Makes preliminary diagnoses independently of the pathologist. Makes diagnoses using a wide range of knowledge of the human body and pathologic processes, including normal/abnormal cellular patterns, inflammatory reactions, presence of microorganisms, benign changes, premalignant conditions, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents. Makes diagnoses using clinical history provided and/or consults clinician using experience and knowledge in order to collect significant information necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Uses extensive knowledge of cellular morphology for all specimens which include cervical/vaginal (gynecologic), GI, GU, respiratory, body cavity and cyst fluids, CSF specimens, fine needle aspiration biopsies of all organs (liver, pancreas, adrenal, lymph node, kidney, lung, breast, head, and neck). Monitors stain quality, preparation techniques, and workflow daily. Ensures that cytology turnaround-time metrics are always maintained. Attends fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy procedures throughout the medical center in order to collect, handle, prepare and triage the specimen and render preliminary diagnoses of adequacy (Radiology, Urology, ENT, Oral Surgery, Operating Room, Medical bed services, etc.). Prepares and stains FNA smears for the purpose of rendering an adequacy reading, preliminary diagnosis and specimen triage. Decides how the FNA specimen should be handled (fixed, unfixed, etc.) for further evaluation. Consults with the pathologist (and clinician if present) about patient clinical history and the need for further specimen sampling or additional ancillary tests. Travels or communicates to other departments, as necessary, to advise physicians on proper differential diagnosis, makes independent professional decisions on methods of collection and handling of samples and on the need for repeat of the procedure, if deemed necessary. Reviews cases with clinicians (attending), pathologist, and residents daily. Responsible for assisting the Anatomic Pathology supervisor in implementing and maintaining all regulatory quality control and quality assurance functions related to cytology. Reviews and updates the General Cytology Manual according to all applicable VHA and federal regulatory agency requirements or recommendations. Trains and orients additional support staff, cytotechnologists, residents, and other new employees within cytology. Participates in VA and CAP proficiency programs. Attends in-house cytology-histology correlation conferences on a regular basis. Attends in-house and outside lectures, conferences, teleconferences, and/or meetings. Updates and adds to continuing education credits on a regular basis. Independently acquires knowledge of current cytology and histology literature in order to adapt and initiate current standards and technologist into the cytology department. Works closely with the pathologist to develop deadlines and objectives and to review all problem cases. Complies with applicable CUA regulations regarding slides reviewed, prorated to other work performed. Prepares and preview case reports for review by the pathologist and, may release, fax, and file case reports when routine secretarial help is not available. Maintains cytology case slide and requisition files in compliance with mandated guidelines. Subscribes to and abides by the Code of Ethics for Cytotechnologists developed by the ASCT. Works closely with the lab administrator and pathologists, and reports to the Supervisor of the Anatomic Pathology section. Provides forms for and documents daily, quarterly, and annual quality control and quality assurance records. Compiles quarterly statistics as per regulation. Monitors and updates cyto-preparatory charts, procedures, and safety compliance documents. Complies with the guidelines of the hospital, CUA, CAP, TJC and VA regulatory agencies. Responsible for collecting, researching and reporting acceptable cases for proficiency testing purposes. These cases are sent to VA and CAP offices for acceptance and distribution. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 57398F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN7EDRPFacilityCoordinators2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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 identification 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. 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. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program. c. 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. d. Certification (1) Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. (2) Loss of Certification. An employee who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. e. Grandfathering Provision. All cytotechnologists employed in VHA, in this occupational series, performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all the qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard, but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to the position, the following provisions apply: (1) Cytotechnologists that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Cytotechnologists 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. (3) Cytotechnologists initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain education and/or certification that meets all the basic requirements. (4) Cytotechnologists who were retained in this occupation, under this provision, and subsequently leave the occupation, lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. f. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. 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). 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: (a) Experience. The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-9) that is directly related to the position to be filled. (b) Assignments. For all assignments above the journey level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, the cytotechnologist independently performs and monitors processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining. If a discrepancy is identified with these processes, the cytotechnologist will troubleshoot and take corrective action. The cytotechnologist may act as a technical resource in writing and establishing new processes or procedures. The cytotechnologist performs a full range of specialized tasks, including collecting, compiling, and analyzing data according to the laboratory quality management program. The cytotechnologist uses these laboratory data to implement any needed quality improvement initiatives. The incumbent will research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment. (c). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs i. - iv. and the advanced KSA as identified by the corresponding asterisck(s): i. Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures. ii. 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. iii. Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. iv. Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment. v. Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings. vi. Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as CAP, JC, and OSHA, and to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation. vii. Knowledge and skill to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. viii. **Skill to maintain and troubleshoot computers and laboratory system instrumentation. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the 11. Physical Requirements: 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 for 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.
