Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

Advanced Histopathology Technician

Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System Advanced histopathology technicians at the GS-7 level have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The technician will have the responsibility of performing difficult histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures, as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. The technician will be responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems. This position requires practical knowledge of the anatomic pathology laboratory practice in one or both areas (i.e., histopathology and cytology). The position is located within the Pathology and Laboratory Department at the Eastern Oklahoma VA Healthcare system, serving all Tulsa and Muskogee locations.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains knowledge of and complies with federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
• 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. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
• 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, quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement, as applicable.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the laboratory.
• Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions.
• Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations.
• Incorporates 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.
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying histopathology and cytopathology principles.
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Ensures and maintains accurate patient identification through the 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.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 615520