Supervisory Cytotechnologist

Summary The incumbent serves as Supervisor of the Cytology and Gross Room/Morgue Sections of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the anatomic laboratory within the Cleveland VAMC. The role directly affects the ability of the service to provide high quality patient care in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The work involves isolating and defining unknown conditions, resolving critical problems, and developing new protocols. Qualifications Citizenship: Citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non‑citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens are not available. Education: Must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program. Foreign education must be submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and deemed equivalent to U.S. programs. Certification: Candidates must currently possess Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification issued by the ASCP Board of Certification. English Language Proficiency: Cytotechnologists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. §7403(f) for potential Grandfathering provisions. Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS‑11 level, directly related to this position. Supervisory cytotechnologists perform a full range of supervisory duties for one or more laboratory sections. Assignments: At the supervisory level, duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, and variety, performed at least 25% of the time. Leadership and Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, set short‑ and long‑term goals, manage staff assignments, conduct performance evaluations, and resolve administrative problems. Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and accreditation requirements to develop laboratory plans and procedures. Familiarity with CLIA proficiency testing and CAP guidelines, including rescreening of high‑risk cases. Preferred Experience: Experience as a bench cytotechnologist. A credentialed Cytotechnologist through the ASCP Board of Certification is preferred. Physical Requirements: Long periods of standing or sitting; lifting packages up to 25 pounds; pushing a cart; regular exposure to irritating and volatile organic solutions and potential infectious material. Protective gear such as laboratory coat, gloves, mask, and eye protection is required. Duties Oversee daily operation of the section to ensure policies, priorities, specimen processing, and result verification are performed in a timely and efficient manner. Develop and communicate performance standards, progress, and expectations to subordinates; evaluate employee work performance. Supervise day‑to‑day operation of the Anatomic Pathology section, prepare work schedules, and assign duties to ensure efficient and timely performance of all tests and procedures. Provide advice, counsel, and instruction on work and administrative matters; resolve minor complaints and refer serious complaints to higher authority. Administer progressive disciplinary actions and inform laboratory management of all disciplinary action taken. Review and approve subordinate leave requests, guaranteeing coverage of essential functions. Interview candidates for positions, recommend appointments, promotions, and reassignments; conduct reference checks and hiring procedures. Identify training needs, evaluate processes, and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, production, cost‑effectiveness, and quality. Evaluate specimen suitability, request new specimens when necessary, and prepare specimens for analysis following established procedures. Handle mislabeled, unlabeled, or unsuitable specimens per established protocols. Complete all proficiency and competency testing to meet deadlines with satisfactory performance; distribute and track proficiency testing. Collect and document statistical data for quality assurance and control reports. Maintain accurate, detailed records and process paperwork promptly. Organize and prioritize work during heavy workload situations to expedite patient results; balance specimen and non‑specimen tasks. Take initiative to solve problems independently and appropriately address inquiries via phone, electronic, or in‑person communication. Assist in preparation for regulatory inspections by reviewing compliance and participating in inspections of in‑house and external facilities. Report variances, incidents, and deviations promptly in accordance with policies and procedures. Work schedule: 8:00 am–4:30 pm, Monday–Friday. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station: Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr