This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/579368900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Histopathology technicians (HT) at this level have a higher level of technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The HT at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques
09/30/2020 to 10/14/2020
$59,682 - $77,581 per year
GS 7
No
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-Time
Excepted
None
No
Yes
CBSX-10917402-20-ETD
579368900
Histopathology technicians (HT) at this level have a higher level of technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The HT at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision.
Histopathology technician positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; troubleshoot issues with instrumentation; resolve problems encountered in the laboratory, and provide education for laboratory/other healthcare professionals and others in the medical center setting. For all assignments above the full performance level (GS-6), 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.
Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles,
practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
- 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.
- Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting.
- Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results and resolve problems.
FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES:
The histopathology technicians rotates on a regular basis through the areas in which they have been trained and are competent. The incumbent also works weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need. The duties and responsibilities of the GS-7 histopathology technician includes all duties at the entry and full performance level positions, plus the following:
Duties/Tasks
- Maintains knowledge of and complies with federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
- Performs a broad range of histological and histochemical procedures. In addition, performs advanced and complex histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Recognizes and communicates pre-defined critical results affecting patient care.
- Develops, modifies, or adapts new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histo-technology procedures.
- Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
- Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Troubleshoots issues with laboratory instruments and resolves problems. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
- Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
- Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
- Follows College of American Pathologist (CAP) accreditation regulations and applicable Federal, State and Local laws, guidelines and regulations. Assists with CAP checklist self-evaluation.
- Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and suggests solutions.
- Answers inquiries regarding histological slide/test results, staining methodology-and specific factors, which influence histologic test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up staining selection or procedures.
- Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the histology laboratory.
- Assists with instruction and training of new employees, residents and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program.
- Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.
- Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
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.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/14/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10917402.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/14/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10917402.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/579368900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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