Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

BASIC REQUIREMENTS a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5.a., this part. c. Experience and Education (1) 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, (2) 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, (3) 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. (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 similar training. d.

Certification None. 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). e. Grandfathering Provision All Histopathology Technicians employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held.

For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation.

Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

Grade Level Requirement: Histopathology Technician, GS-7 (Advanced) (1) Experience One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant will be selected for this vacancy is GS-07.

01Physical Requirements

See Handbook 5019.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional FUNCTION OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: Histopathology technicians at this level generally have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight, and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently.

The incumbent will have the responsibility of performing difficult specialized histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical 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 troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems.

For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Major duties may include, but are not limited to: Prepares a wide variety of tissue specimens from all parts of the human body. Prepares various chemical solutions and stains, adjusting concentrations and pH as determined by good laboratory practice.

Performs microtomy for frozen sections using cryostat sectioning, which requires many complex and delicate processes. Makes serial sections of anatomical tissues, requiring precise and complex positioning of the tissue and microtome, using in-depth knowledge of human tissues and organs. Prepares tissues for a wide variety of special procedures and complex special stains, including immunohistochemical processes.

Performs quality control checks of instrument function on a regular basis and maintains documentation denoting malfunctions and corrective actions taken. Specialized training and certification by the manufacturer of the instruments may be required of the incumbent. Facilitates enhanced communication between surgical pathology, hematology/oncology, dermatology, GI, and surgical services, as well as other physicians or clinics needing immediate contact with the histology laboratory.

Assists in the development, review, and/or update of technical procedures in the Anatomic Pathology section of the laboratory in accordance with regulatory agency and VA guidelines/standards. Organizes and maintains tissue blocks, specimens, and slide storage. Demonstrates the ability to evaluate and solve problems related to the collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 6:00am - 2:30pm Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:63761F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.