The Histopathology Technician in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, which carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision that include routine and complex histopathological and cytopathological procedures, quality control and assurance procedures, operation and routine maintenance of instrumentation, troubleshooting, and principles of performance improvement. 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. English. Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. (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 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 histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces. Certification. None Grade Determinations: GS-6 (Full Performance Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. (a) Knowledge of professional anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work. (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures, principles of performance improvement, reagent management, inventory supply systems, and document control systems. (c) Knowledge of anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation. (d) Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments.(e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results. Preferred Experience: 1. Experience as a histopathology technician-minimum of one year 2. Able to gross specimens, embed and cut, with little supervision 3. Experience with special stains, frozen tissue and IHC's 4. Assist with autopsies and cytology References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/102, PART II, APPENDIX G55 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require light lifting under 15 lbs., light carrying under 44lbs., the use of fingers and both hands are required. Reaching above the shoulder, walking and standing (4 hrs.), repeated bending (6 hrs.). Exposed to fumes, smoke or gases, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to jaeger 1 to 4. Working around machinery with moving parts, working with hands in water, that sometimes may be at 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods of time, and works closely with others. Must have the ability to distinguish shades of color, have depth perception, hearing (aid permitted). Continuous sitting up to 8 hrs., occasional work longer than 8 hrs., and ability to work under stress. ["**If you are a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply to CBST-11799118-23-TB** Duties include but are limited to the following: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing tasks of the histopathology technician occupation involving anatomic pathology, i.e. surgical pathology, autopsy pathology and cytopathology Maintains and documents the optimal function of laboratory equipment; Uses, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction; Performs and documents quality control and participates in quality assurance activities; Adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the workplace; Incorporate principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines Ensures and maintains accurate patient identification through chain of custody of the specimen Prepares technically adequate slides of surgical, cytology, and autopsy specimens by processing, embedding tissue, cutting, staining and cover slipping Utilizes specialized techniques for handling cell blocks, frozen sections, bone marrows, autopsies, and fine-needle biopsies Performs other related duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 520-00148-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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