The Histopathology Technician (HT) serves in the histology section of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine service. In this capacity the incumbent performs technical procedures within the department to provide high quality, timely, cost-effective, and regulatory compliant diagnostic services to the physicians and patients of the Huntington VA Medical Center. NOTE: This position is Temporary Not to Exceed (NTE) 13 months 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 and 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 (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; or (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: Histopathology Technician, GS-7 (Advanced) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-6 (Full Performance Level). 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 cover slipping. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-6, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs. (a) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. (b) 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. (c) Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting. (d) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/102, PART II, APPENDIX G55 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: The work consists of both desks, standing (up to four hours), lifting, and mild physical exertion. There will be walking, bending, standing, retrieving items from shelves and cabinets, and carrying. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. ["The Histopathology Technician will have the responsibility of performing difficult specialized histological, histochemical, and immuno-histochemical 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 other duties to include but are not limited to the following: Performs a broad range of routine and difficult specialized histological work, including specimen accessioning, tissue embedding and cutting of sections to appropriate thickness based on staining needs. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of histological specimens for analysis. Maintains and troubleshoots manual and automated histology and immunochemistry equipment and instruments. Assists with collecting quality assurance data or participating in quality assurance projects. Performs cross-coverage duties in the morgue and cytology when necessary. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines with minimal assistance. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00am - 4:30pm)\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]