Histopathology Technician

Description:

This Histopathology Technician position is in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the VA Maine Healthcare System located at the Togus, ME campus location. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week.

Requirements:

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 Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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 (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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

GS-5 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.

GS 6 Experience: (Full Performance Level) One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 5). 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 cover slipping.

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: Depending on what section of the laboratory the employee is assigned, this individual must do mix of sitting, standing and/or walking as well as lifting (not to exceed 40 lbs.).

Work Environment: Typical histology/cytology laboratory work area. Exposure to contagious diseases in their contact with patients is present. Exposure to fixed and fresh tissue and potentially other infectious diseases is a special hazard. Daily handling of dangerous chemicals is also required. Must be cognizant of both hospital and laboratory safety regulations and takes appropriate action to protect the patient, self, and other healthcare staff, and visitors.