This position is allocated to the Anatomic Pathology organizational division of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS). P&LMS is one department within Clinical Support Services. The primary mission of the Anatomic Pathology Section is to provide technical support services for the Pathologists in making clinical diagnosis of human tissue specimens. The work of the position requires professional knowledge of Human Anatomy, Basic Chemistry and Histology. 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: 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: 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, 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 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. CERTIFICATION 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: Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS); OR 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) laborator Exception for Non-Board Certified. Non-board-certified candidates designated by ASCP as "board eligible," who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B).This exception only applies at the entry level (GS-7). For grade levels at or above the full performance level (GS-9 and up), the candidate must have HTL certification.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: GS-7 None beyond basic requirements. Grade Determinations: GS- 9 Must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. Candidates at this grade level must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity. Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens, and the ability to perform a full range of routine specialized tests. Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient's sample. Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments; both individual and team related. Skill in applying professional, anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the GS-9. References: VA Handbook 5005/118 Part II Appendix G65 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["At the full performance level the incumbent will be required to perform the following duties as a Histopathology Technologist: 1. Receives and verifies the accuracy and completeness of all requests including the proper sample collection, labeling, and transport requirements. Identify unusual conditions and discrepancies, which may cause erroneous results. Makes sound decision independently and takes appropriate action to correct and solve problems. Interacts with hospital personnel to correct discrepancies. 2. Accessions and labels specimens. Prepare specimens and reports for gross examination by the Pathologist/Pathologist assistant. Process tissue specimens using the automated tissue processor. Orients the correct placement and alignment of specimens during the embedding process using the embedding center. 3. Sections paraffin tissue blocks and mounts tissue sections on slides. Sections are cut at proper thickness (1-10 microns) according to tissue type or as required for special staining procedures. Sections should contain a minimal number of artifacts and be completed in a timely fashion. 4. Following documented written procedures. Performs routine hematoxylin and eosin staining and checks for proper differentiation, dehydration, and clearing. Also carries out special staining techniques to demonstrate micro-organisms and chemical composition, as well as immunohistochemically, immunofluorescent, and insitu hybridization procedures. Obtains and prepares control tissues. Staining results are evaluated on undiagnosed tissue and controls; abnormal results are recognized and repeated. 5. Performs established quality control and quality assurance procedures to check the accuracy and validity of work. Information recorded daily. Deviations are documented and reported to the supervisor. Corrective action is performed. Identifies unusual discrepancies/conditions which may cause erroneous results (established malfunctions, conditions of test performance, reaction systems and/or test procedure used). Takes appropriate action to make corrections and solve problems. Compiles LMIP and OA statistical data, summarizes and issues periodic reports of compilations. Assists in the periodic review, modification and implementation relative to the appropriate operating procedure manual and standard safety practices. 6. Operates equipment in a safe manner as well as preparing and maintaining records of routine preventive maintenance of equipment and instrumentation used in the day to day operation of the histology department. Responsible for maintaining the work environment in a clean and safe condition. This responsibility includes disinfecting equipment and instruments, disposing of biological specimens, and discarding chemicals according to established safety protocols. Adheres to established safety, infection control, and standard precautions guidelines at all times. 7. Creates photographic records of specimens for histology and autopsy service. Organizes, establishes, and maintains photographs, blocks, and slide files. In the absence of the Laboratory Worker, authorizes the release of the bodies Funeral Directors following the verification and identification of records. 8. Cuts frozen sections and stains for STAT inter-operative consultation and diagnosis. 9. Prepares and maintains records of routine preventive maintenance of equipment and instrumentation used for the preparation of specimens for Histologic diagnosis. Compiles LMIP and QA statistical data on morbidity and mortality, summarizes and issues periodic reports of compilations, Assists in the periodic review, modification and implementation relative to the appropriate operating procedures and manual and standard safety practices. 10. Responsible for maintaining the work environment in a safe and clean condition. This responsibility includes disinfection equipment and instruments, disposing of biological specimens, and discarding chemicals according to established safety protocols. 11. Maintains an adequate stock of supplies and reagents to cover normal and peak workloads. 12. Other duties within the department, as deemed necessary, to facilitate workflow essentially linked to patient care. Work Schedule: M-F 8am-4:30pm\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]