Supervisory Cytotechnologist - AP Lab Manager

Summary The incumbent serves as the Laboratory Manager for Anatomic Pathology in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PALMS) at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. The laboratory is a complexity level index group 1 – performing over 4 million billable tests annually. This position manages the Surgical Pathology – Histology – Cytology and Autopsy services – which directly affects the ability of PALMS to provide quality patient care in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. 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 Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non‑citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 – section A – paragraph 3g of this part. Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program. Foreign Education: Education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Certification: Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. Loss of Certification: An employee who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation – which may also result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency: Cytotechnologists must be proficient in spoken and written English (see 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)). Grandfathering Provision: 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). Experience At the GS‑13 (a) level – the candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that is directly related to the position to be filled. Assignments: For all assignments above the journey level – the higher‑level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Responsibilities Supervises a large staff of nonsupervisory and supervisory personnel, and manages and oversees laboratory service operations. Provides guidance and serves as an authority and subject matter expert on laboratory medicine, including research, agency policies, new techniques and procedures, developing guidelines, assessing laboratory effectiveness, and establishing and maintaining quality assurance and quality management programs. Consults with local, network, and national programs and/or officials. Manages regulatory affairs and compliance. Develops and manages program budget and resource utilization, inventory, acquisition, and contracting processes. Planned and executed short‑ and long‑term programs and/or goals through project management and tactical/strategic planning. Works collaboratively with other disciplines, upper management, and executive leadership. Advanced knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of operations for a major clinical laboratory program. Skills in administrative management (budgeting, contracting, procurement, and property management) in accordance with regulations. Provides full range of supervisory duties – assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions. Duties Direct the complex technical operation of the Anatomic Pathology section of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service which operates 5 days a week – day and evening shifts. During short staffing may need to complete general bench duties as necessary to meet the needs of the service. Exercise a full range of supervisory responsibilities in planning, directing, and assessing work of subordinate staff. Provide guidance and serve as an authority and subject matter expert for the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory including research, agency policies, new techniques, and procedures. Provide first‑line supervision to the Histology supervisor, Histotechnologists, Cytotechnologists and Gross room staff/Pathologist Assistants. Be an expert in all these areas and lend technical assistance and supervision to the bench technologists. Develop, implement, and direct new procedures and methodologies required to provide a wide range of anatomic pathology services required by the VA Northeast Ohio Health Care System. Coordinate work within the laboratory and MOHS clinic – involving a wide range of common laboratory examinations and procedures as well as complex and special tests. Oversee quality management metrics in anatomic pathology, review and corrective action plans, and implement changes. Manage all daily Surgical Pathology functions under the supervision of the Chief of Pathology. Work independently to perform highly complex functions – or in collaboration with pathology residents, technicians, and technologists. Ensure smooth and efficient flow of work through the section. Apply, adapt or otherwise modify techniques as necessary to facilitate diagnosis and provide the information needed for treatment of the patient. Establish priorities in specimen processing and testing according to laboratory guidelines and clinical considerations. Maintain regulatory compliance related to duties daily. Review regulatory criteria, ensure all procedures and protocols are maintained up to date with regulatory criteria, prepare work areas for inspection, and participate in the inspection process as required by the Chief of PALMS and Assistant Chief PALMS. Participate in orientation and training of new employees, and play a central role in education and training of employees and residents in pathology, other medical specialties, and medical students regarding anatomic pathology bench technologists. Work Schedule: Full‑time – Monday‑Friday 8:00 am‑4:30 pm. Telework: Not eligible. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Grade Determinations: Supervisory Cytotechnologist (Laboratory Manager) – GS‑13 (a) Physical Requirements: The work of this position is primarily sedentary working closely with others or alone. There may be some walking, standing, bending, kneeling, carrying of light items under 15 pounds, reaching above shoulder, etc. The work environment typically involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of an office meeting or training room. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. #J-18808-Ljbffr Direct Jobs