Histopathology Technician

Company: Veterans Health Administration
Location: Biloxi
Posted on: April 9, 2021

Job Description:

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. (a) 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 (b) 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: (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. Certification. None Grade Determinations:
GS-5: (Entry Level)
(1) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
(2) Assignment. This is an entry level histopathology technician position. It is expected that histopathology technicians receive guidance from more experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. Assignments associated with this position include, but are not limited to, 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.
GS-6 (Full Performance Level)
(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
(2) Assignment. At the full performance level, the histopathology technician uses independent judgment to perform the full range of duties including analyzing and evaluating laboratory results. The histopathology technician carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision. This includes routine and complex histopathological and cytopathological procedures, quality control and assurance procedures, operation and routine maintenance of instrumentation, troubleshooting, and principles of performance improvement. The incumbent utilizes specialized techniques for handling cell blocks, frozen sections, bone marrows, autopsies, and fine-needle biopsies. The technician prepares technically adequate slides of surgical, cytology, and autopsy specimens by processing, embedding tissue, cutting, staining (including immunohistochemistry), and coverslipping.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs.
(a) Knowledge of professional anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work.
(b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures, principles of performance improvement, reagent management, inventory supply systems, and document control systems.
(c) 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.
(e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/102, PART II, APPENDIX G55 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require light lifting under 15 lbs., light carrying under 44lbs., the use of fingers and both hands are required. Reaching above the shoulder, walking and standing (4 hrs.), repeated bending (6 hrs.). Exposed to fumes, smoke or gases, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to jaeger 1 to 4. Working around machinery with moving parts, working with hands in water, that sometimes may be at 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods of time, and works closely with others. Must have the ability to distinguish shades of color, have depth perception, hearing (aid permitted). Continuous sitting up to 8 hrs., occasional work longer than 8 hrs., and ability to work under stress.

Keywords: Veterans Health Administration, Biloxi , Histopathology Technician, Professions , Biloxi, Mississippi