Summary The Advanced Histopathology Technician assumes a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight and resolving higher-level issues and is expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The Advanced Histopathology Technician will embed, cut, and stain tissue for diagnostic interpretation by a pathologist, as well as cut frozen sections of significant complexity on a STAT basis. Recruitment Incentive is Authorized Responsibilities Duties include but not limited to: Evaluates the suitability of each specimen and follows established protocol for handling mislabeled, unlabeled, or unsuitable specimens. Accurately accessions specimens and maintains correct identification by name and/or accession number through each phase of processing. Operates and maintains tissue processors ensuring small biopsies and large tissues are loaded appropriately to avoid processing delays or artifacts. Understands the nature of the common chemicals used, in the Histology laboratory and utilizes that knowledge when performing tasks to produce the intended end product. Embeds tissue with an understanding of tissue orientation and tissue structure and embeds appropriately based on specimen type. Cuts paraffin sections at a thickness of 4-6 microns with an understanding of tissue type, using independent technical judgement to determine specific techniques to use for differing specimen types. Produces high quality tissue sections with minimal sectioning artifacts, such as tears, holes, and folds. Embeds, cuts, and stains frozen section specimens on a STAT basis and utilizes technical knowledge and judgement to produce tissue section slides of optimal quality for diagnostic interpretation. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures, as well as principles of performance improvement, providing sound independent work. Utilizes comprehensive knowledge of laboratory equipment and maintains instrumentation according to established procedure. Recognizes when equipment failure is complex and notifies a higher-level Histopathology Technician to troubleshoot and repair as needed. Communicates, consults, and interacts with other members of the healthcare team in a professional manner. Maintains accountability for inventory of all supplies. Performs routine and laboratory testing within the established time limits. Continuously completes medical center and laboratory training and education as required within established deadlines. Able to organize and prioritize work during heavy workload situations to expedite patient results. Prioritizes work between non-specimen activity and patient care. Maintains a positive attitude, willingness to work as part of a team and is supportive of coworkers. Collaborates and works well with others. Responds and adapts to new processes, procedures, or equipment and is willing to make changes to improve service. Work Schedule: Monday and Wednesday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. Do you have at least 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. Specialized Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; utilizing independent judgment to perform the full range of duties including analyzing and evaluating laboratory results. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of professional anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures, principles of performance improvement, reagent management, inventory supply systems, and document control systems. Knowledge of anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results. 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). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/102 PART II APPENDIX G55 Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurrent standing, sitting, transporting samples between work areas, stretching, reaching, bending, and lifting of reagents/supplies for instruments. Moderate risks of discomfort associated with working in a clinical laboratory with regular and recurrent possible exposure to hazards such as infectious, chemical and/or environmental agents and performing repetitive motions to complete tasks. Safety guidelines on safe equipment operation must be adhered to. There is a possibility of constant stress and mental pressure to complete all testing in an accurate and timely manner for quality patient care. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.