Summary This is an OPEN AND CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT until September 30, 2024. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The incumbent performs highly complex laboratory diagnostic testing for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in the laboratory specialty of cytopathology. The incumbent will provide cytology support to Surgical Pathology, Cytopathology, Autopsy, and Histopathology. Responsibilities Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified applicants. Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required. Duties include but are not limited to: Incumbent must have advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance. For assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, the cytotechnologist independently performs and monitors processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining. If a discrepancy is identified with these processes, the cytotechnologist will troubleshoot and take corrective action. The Incumbent may act as a technical resource in writing and establishing new processes or procedures. The incumbent performs a full range of specialized tasks, including collecting, compiling, and analyzing data according to the laboratory quality management program. The incumbent uses these laboratory data to implement any needed quality improvement initiatives. The incumbent will research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment. The incumbent is responsible for performance of a broad range of testing on patient specimens including surgical specimens, autopsy, gynecological, aspiration biopsy material, blood, urine, sputum, body fluids, CSF, scrapings, and washings. Participates in the fine needle aspiration biopsy service daily, including rapid on-site assessments to evaluate for specimen adequacy. Incumbent has wide latitude for exercising independent judgement. Develops and implements the use of protocols for performance of tests and evaluation of results and monitors conformity to protocols. Regularly retrieves and evaluates patient data to assess relevant cytopathology parameters (e.g. cytology- histology correlations, ASCUS/SIL ratios, lookback data). Participates in proficiency testing programs for Anatomic Pathology and Surgical Pathology (e.g. Pap PT, ASCP Check Sample Program, CAP surveys). Develops, maintains, and updates procedure manuals. Designs forms as necessary to comply with regulatory agency and laboratory needs. Provides assistance with record keeping system including statistical analysis for Anatomic Pathology and monitors workload recording system. Coordinates and maintains documentation for staff pathologists on all external proficiency testing relating to cytopathology and surgical pathology. Ensures patient materials are provided in a timely fashion for internal and external customers (e.g., pathology case conferences, external facility requests, samples to be tested at reference labs). 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. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. 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 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: 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. Cytotechnologist, 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 i. - iv. and the advanced KSA as identified by the corresponding asterisk(s): i. Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures. ii. 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. iii. Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. iv. Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment. v. Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings. vi. Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as CAP, JC, and OSHA, and to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation. vii. Knowledge and skill to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. viii. **Skill to maintain and troubleshoot computers and laboratory system instrumentation. 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 5005/126 PART II APPENDIX G61 Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires mostly periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients/residents who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on stakeholder needs. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. 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. 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.