Cytotechnologist - Laboratory Medicine & Pathology

Summary The incumbent serves as a Advanced Cytotechnologist within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, performing key duties in the Cytology laboratory. Cytotechnologists are certified laboratory professionals performing highly complex laboratory diagnostic testing on human specimens for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease in the laboratory specialty of Cytopathology. Responsibilities Duties may included but not limited to: Attends FNA procedures, maintains FNA cart, prepares and stains slides according to established protocol ensuring adequate material is taken for applicable ancillary testing such as cell blocks, molecular testing, and microbiology. Acts as a technical resource in writing and establishing new policies and procedures as needed for the overall operations of the cytology laboratory. These educational requirements include, but are not limited to the CAP PAP PT, CAP Non-Gynecologic and Gynecologic study sets, and ASCP Non-Gynecologic Digital Images. Performs diagnostic work by identification, localization and interpretation of cellular abnormalities and in so doing, makes diagnoses independently of the pathologist. Releases negative gynecologic cytopathology reports to the patient medical record and does so within established time limits. May analyze, collect, and monitor cytology data, including screening statistics and workload compliance according to the laboratory quality management program and established laboratory accrediting agency guidelines and uses laboratory data to implement quality improvement initiatives. Responsible for higher-level tasks in the investigation of equipment issues and failure after routine troubleshooting has occurred on instruments and equipment used in the Cytology laboratory. Contacts instrument-specific technical representative, biomedical engineering, and/or enters service request as needed to resolve and resume optimal functionality of equipment, referring to supervisor only when non-responsive or difficult issues arise. Ensures annual PMs are performed on all equipment as defined by manufacturer or laboratory policy. Ensures compliance with P&LMS policies and laboratory accreditation requirements, assists in preparing for laboratory inspections, and facilitates preparation of the documentation therein. Additionally ensures compliance with all regulatory agencies. Completes quality control and equipment maintenance logs according to established laboratory policy and demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures, as well as performance improvement principles. Handles outside cases, including pap tests from surrounding VISN10 medical centers by accessioning, tracking, faxing results when applicable, and packaging slides for return. Oversees safety coordination in the cytology laboratory, including the safe handling of specimens, chemicals, and equipment by all staff and adherence to safety regulations established by the medical center, as well as OSHA and Joint Commission regulations Work Schedule: 730-1600, Monday-Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91720A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.Citizen to apply for this job. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: 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. Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. Grade Determinations: Cytotechnologist, GS-11 Experience: The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-9) that is directly related to the position to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is 11 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 11 Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tasks, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center. The work involves sitting at a microscope or computer, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time. ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Additional Information 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. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. 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.