The Lead Histopathology Technologist is located in the White River Junction, Vermont VA Medical Center working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals and achievements are coordinated with management. Responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty including preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation and compliance. Recruitment incentive has been authorized. 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 meet one of the requirements below: (1) 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, (2) 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, (3) 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, premedical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy. 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 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. 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: Lead Histopathology Technologist, GS-11 (1) Education and Experience. Must meet one of the following: (a) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled; or (b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; or (c) A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology, or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis. (b) Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens and perform a full range of routine and specialized tests. (c) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. (d) Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample. (e) Ability to monitor and make work assignments, balance workload, and ensure duties are completed in an accurate and timely manner. This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of incomplete work. References: VA Handbook 5005/118, PART II, APPENDIX G65 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing while performing gross examinations and teaching others to do so, recurring bending over when performing frozen sections and autopsies, occasional lifting of heavy items (bodies) and above average dexterity in dissecting specimens, performing microtomy and cutting frozen sections. ["Duties include but are not limited to:\nServes as a Lead Medical Technologist in Pathology & Laboratory Service with specific responsibility for the operation of the Histopathology and Cytology sections of the Laboratory. Performs a wide variety of tests in Histology and Cytology, including complex testing requiring evaluation of abnormal results, and is responsible for independently overseeing all operations in this section including using and maintaining equipment, and implementing and monitoring quality control.\n- Assists the pathologists in the cutting of surgicals, frozen sections, and autopsies. Processes specimens using equipment, instruments, or techniques to prepare them for specific analysis, controls physical conditions, responds to time factors to ensure that the physiological state-of-the-art specimen is maintained.\n- The incumbent serves as the back up morgue assistant in the absence of the contract diener. This includes basic assistance of the pathologist during autopsies to include, but not limited to, identification, set up, general assistance, body closure, and clean up.\n- Is responsible for keeping departmental policy and procedure manuals updated and for writing new procedures as needed.\n- Complies with all the requirements associated with approving the purchases made using the station card, including assuring the purchases are accurate. Also, as a government purchase cardholder the incumbent will ensure compliance with all VHA Handbook 1730.1 requirements related to the use of the government purchase card, record retention and applicable time frames.\n- Is responsible for handling hazardous wastes in accordance with RCRA regulations.\n- The quality control development, instrument set-up and maintenance, and method protocol are responsibilities of this position as assigned.\n- Prepares reagents and controls, sets up and calibrates instruments, performs and calculates results for a variety of tests in all sections.\n- Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.\n- Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.\n- Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.\n- Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.\n- Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.\n- Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions.\n- Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.\n- Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations.\n- Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program.\n- Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.\n- Provides coverage of routine days, holidays, weekends, evenings, etc., as scheduled. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: F04687\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment Incentive Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]