Supervisory Histopathology Technologist

Supervisory Histopathology Technologist Duties

The major duties of the Supervisory Histopathology Technologist include:

• Operates, verifies and maintains correct instrument operation for all equipment in the histology and cytology laboratory, using established procedures and quality control checks in accordance with College of American Pathologists, Joint Commission and VHA guidelines.
• Support and advise CLIA Technical Director (Service Chief, AP Section Chief, or other designee) in areas of anatomical pathology quality control/assurance, records control, proficiency testing, inspection, and accreditation to all levels of the organization.
• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis. Plans, implements and coordinates preventive maintenance of all instruments, collaborating with the Biomedical Service any instrument malfunctions.
• Responsible for validating, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, or improving existing methods as necessary for routine histopathology technology procedures. Properly documents all validation procedures, and obtains approval of Laboratory Medical Director or AP Technical Director prior to implementation.
• Establishes and monitors the quality of the pre-analytical processes as part of the overall laboratory quality management program and initiates corrective action. Prepares monthly QA/QM data for section consistent with VA NEO and accreditation agency regulations. Generates and executes action plan(s) for metrics requiring such.
• Develops performance standards, position descriptions and functional statements.
• Responsible for professional and administrative management of an assigned area, to include budget development, orientation, and competency of assigned staff. Obtains and maintains COR Level 1 and manages section specific contracts as assigned.
• Manages inventory, supplies, and reagents and monitors expenditures in the section. Evaluates existing tests for cost-benefit and recommends sending out low volume, high cost or labor-intensive testing as indicated. Justifies new instrumentation and methodologies.
• Manages document control for assigned section(s) per VA regulation and accrediting agency (e.g. CAP, JC, etc.) requirements.
• Maintains effective interdepartmental relations with other services to accomplish medical center goals.
• Performs advanced procedures and quality control of tissue samples.
• Guides staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens.
• Acts as a technical resource, troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests, identifies suboptimal issues and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns.
• Organizes, coordinates and prioritizes work assignments. Adjusts staffing levels/assignments or work procedures as deemed necessary.
• Coordinates schedule of autopsy and transfer of bodies to and from other facilities with Decedent Affairs.
• Uses professional skills in applying complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
• Develops new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing and recordkeeping and documentation.
• Selects and performs non-routine and specialized test procedures. Recognizes and reacts to indicators or malfunction.
• Guide and train staff to prepare reagent and control materials. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products. Maintains proper records for quality control reports.
• Monitor and supervise Cytotechnologist in proper execution and functions.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 93541-0