Advanced Cytotechnologist

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.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

02Education

Individuals must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program Certification: Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of 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).

03Grade Determinations

GS-11 Experience: The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-9) that is directly related to the position to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures.

Knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes to establish and monitor the overall laboratory quality management and quality control program, and initiate corrective action as needed. Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11.

04Physical Requirements

The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tasks, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center. The work involves sitting at a microscope or computer, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time.

Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations.

Duties include but are not limited to: Attends FNA procedures, maintains FNA cart, prepares and stains slides according to established protocol ensuring adequate material is taken for applicable ancillary testing such as cell blocks, molecular testing, and microbiology. Performs ROSE assessments for FNA procedures independently. Acts as a technical resource in writing and establishing new policies and procedures as needed for the overall operations of the cytology laboratory.

Oversees the educational requirements of cytology staff, ensuring timely communication, distribution, and result completion. These educational requirements include, but are not limited to the CAP PAP PT, CAP Non-Gynecologic and Gynecologic study sets, and ASCP Non-Gynecologic Digital Images. Performs diagnostic work by identification, localization and interpretation of cellular abnormalities and in so doing, makes diagnoses independently of the pathologist.

Releases negative gynecologic cytopathology reports to the patient medical record and does so within established time limits. May analyze, collect, and monitor cytology data, including screening statistics and workload compliance according to the laboratory quality management program and established laboratory accrediting agency guidelines and uses laboratory data to implement quality improvement initiatives.

Responsible for higher-level tasks in the investigation of equipment issues and failure after routine troubleshooting has occurred on instruments and equipment used in the Cytology laboratory. Contacts instrument-specific technical representative, biomedical engineering, and/or enters service request as needed to resolve and resume optimal functionality of equipment, referring to supervisor only when non-responsive or difficult issues arise.

Ensures annual PMs are performed on all equipment as defined by manufacturer or laboratory policy. Ensures compliance with P&LMS policies and laboratory accreditation requirements, assists in preparing for laboratory inspections, and facilitates preparation of the documentation therein. Additionally ensures compliance with all regulatory agencies.

Completes quality control and equipment maintenance logs according to established laboratory policy and demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures, as well as performance improvement principles. Handles outside cases, including pap tests from surrounding VISN10 medical centers by accessioning, tracking, faxing results when applicable, and packaging slides for return.

Oversees safety coordination in the cytology laboratory, including the safe handling of specimens, chemicals, and equipment by all staff and adherence to safety regulations established by the medical center, as well as OSHA and Joint Commission regulations Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30-4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91720A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized