Cytotechnologist

Summary The pathology laboratory provides specialized diagnostic services to patients admitted to the VA Medical Centers located at Perry Point, Baltimore, Martinsburg, GRECC, and CBOC locations. The cytology section provides diagnostic interpretation of human disease including rapid on‑site evaluation in the endoscopy/bronchoscopy suite (interventional radiology) and for the endocrine clinic; it also processes gynecological Pap smear results and participates in departmental research. Qualifications Applicants pending 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. English Language Proficiency: Cytotechnologists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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 (CAAHEP) accredited cytotechnology program. Foreign Education: To be creditable, 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. Such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Certification: Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) 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. Experience: The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to GS‑9 that is directly related to the position. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs, including: Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures. 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. Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends, and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment. Preferred Experience: A minimum of one year experience in Cytology Reference. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑09. This position is being selected at GS‑11. Duties Reads all medical and gynecological material submitted for cytology from the following VAMHCS facilities: Baltimore, Perry Point, and all CBOCs. Provides systematic examination of all material on the slide. Flags abnormal material for pathologist review. Provides written diagnostic interpretation for all specimens received for processing at the Baltimore laboratory. Independently reads and provides diagnostic evaluation for all Pap smears. Supplies the “Cytyc Thin Prep Pap Test” kit to gynecology clinics within the above‑mentioned facilities and trains all users. Processes all Pap smears at the Baltimore Laboratory using the thin‑prep processor. Trains all hospital services in proper fixation and technique to use the Cytolyt solutions for thin‑prep processing. Ensures all specimens are processed using the Cytyc Processor. Monitors the processing and quality of preparations to ensure optimum slides for diagnostic interpretation. Maintains familiarity with current literature in Anatomic Pathology regarding processing and diagnostic evaluation. Implements modifications in processing and advances in cytology and histology to provide veterans with the best quality and diagnosis in an expeditious time and reasonable cost to the hospital. Performs a variety of procedures, including analyses, updates procedural manuals, monitors equipment accuracy, sets up and monitors quality controls on equipment and on diagnostic interpretation, and processes all slides read and processed in the Baltimore Laboratory. Assists Cytology supervisor in reviewing Standard Operating Procedure manuals to improve quality, accuracy, or patient care and to be in compliance with accrediting agency and JCAHO. Independently determines specimen adequacy where ROSE (rapid on‑site evaluation) of bronchial, pulmonary, lymph node, gastric, pancreatic, and/or soft‑tissue masses is being performed. Serves as technical specialist to handle any problems that occur between VA facilities that are cytology related to transportation, specimen fixation, grossing, or procedural decisions. Works toward mutual goals, demonstrates a cooperative attitude, and shows teamwork in carrying out the VA mission. Coordinates work efforts or resolves operating problems concerning equipment or test methods. Reviews unexpected results, assists laboratory workers and physicians. Instructs technicians in technical skills, clarifies problems, and liaises with product suppliers or manufacturers of anatomic equipment. Promotes daily work practice that conforms to safety plans and standards set by regulating agencies. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS 512‑26272‑F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs