Cytotechnologist (full-time and part-time)

This Cytotechnologist position is located in the VISN 12 Pathology & Laboratory Medical Service (P&LMS) at the Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs, located at 820 S Damen Ave. Help
Operates, verifies and maintains correct instrument operation for all equipment in the cytology laboratory, using established procedures and quality control checks in accordance with College of American Pathologists, Joint Commission and VHA guidelines.
Plans, implements and coordinates preventive maintenance of all instruments, communicating with the Biomedical Department any instrument malfunctions
Reviews clinical data of patients and evaluates all cytology preparations by light microscopy for the presence or absence of cellular patterns, presence of microorganisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, pre-malignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents.
Has knowledge of processes and procedures to prepare all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunochemistry testing, as well as preparation, fixation and staining of slides ?
Prioritizes, prepares, and processes all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunohistochemical testing in compliance with the guidelines of regulatory agencies.
Instructs others on the proper collection methods and transportation of specimens and determines acceptability of patient samples for processing.
Acts as a technical resource, troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests, identifies suboptimal issues and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns
Performs routine maintenance of equipment using standard operating procedures
Develops new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing and recordkeeping and documentation.
Recognizes and reacts to indicators or malfunction.
Evaluates new equipment and makes informed decisions concerning the purchasing of equipment.
Prepares reagent and control materials.
Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products, and maintains proper records for quality control reports.
Conveys pertinent information to those professionals of the Anatomic Pathology and Medical Center staff directly responsible for patient care in regard to proper collection methods, transportation of specimens, etc.
Communicates effectively and courteously and provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients and others).
Accessions specimens, determining adequacy and quality prior to recording the data in the computer.
Provides training and competency assessment, including effective and professional training for the histopathology and cytopathology technologist(s), technician(s), pathologist assistants, autopsy assistants and other laboratory employees that support the services of the anatomic pathology department.
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.
Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
Serves as a cytology subject matter expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring specialized knowledge. Examples include, but are not limited to, molecular testing, pleural fluid analysis and flow cytometry.
Identifies, defines and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique or controversial aspects of cytology testing where no direct precedent exists
Telework : Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
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Citizen to apply for this job.
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. your performance and conduct;
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification.
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.
Knowledge and skill to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards.
Skill to maintain and troubleshoot computers and laboratory system instrumentation.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.