The Phoenix VA Health Care System is recruiting for one (1) Histopathology Technician (Advanced), in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PALMS). The position is located at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. The Histopathology Technician independently performs testing procedures on a variety of biological specimens and environmental samples using manual or automated techniques; as well as advanced and complex histochemical, histochemical, and immuno-histochemical procedures. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5.a., this part. Experience & Education. 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, 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. Please make sure that your experience is evident in your resume. Please make sure your resume contains hours worked per week for each work experience entry, if it is full time or part-time, all federal jobs must have the GS level included on the resume, or else your resume will be considered incomplete, and you will be considered "ineligible" for the position. Grade Determinations: GS-07 (Histopathology Technician) Experience: Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement exhibiting competence in managing reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems. Assignment. Histopathology technicians at this level generally have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight, and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The incumbent will have the responsibility of performing difficult specialized histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical procedures, as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. The technician will be responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G55- Histopathology Technician Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 45 lbs. Straight pulling. pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands (grasping). Walking, frequent standing (i.e. up to 4 hours). Kneeling repeated bending and use of both arms and legs and repetitive motion. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes and depth perception. Ability to distinguish colors anti shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted). Clear high cognitive function and emotional stability. Ability to read ordinary type without strain. ["The Histopathology Technician performs testing on a variety of biological specimens, and environmental samples using manual or automated techniques. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology. The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens. Identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Answers inquiries regarding test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures. Implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory, in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals. Assists with instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service continuing education program. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Monitors quality control systems and measures. Collaborates in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results, ensuring all laboratory regulatory requirements are met. Performs testing on a variety of biological specimens and environmental samples, using manual or automated techniques. *This is an open continuous announcement.* Applications are reviewed every 2 weeks, until the vacancy is filled. The announcement may close sooner than end date. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: Multiple tours available, 6:00 am - 2:3 0pm, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, occasional weekends and holidays. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: My be available for highly qualified candidates, at service discretion. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
