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 within the Salem VA Medical Center. Applicants pending the 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. Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 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 and 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) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. English Language Proficiency. Cytotechnologists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. ? 7403(f). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).Grade Determinations: GS - 11 CytotechnologistExperience. 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.Assignments. For all assignments above the journey level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, the cytotechnologist independently performs and monitors processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining. If a discrepancy is identified with these processes, the cytotechnologist will troubleshoot and take corrective action. The cytotechnologist may act as a technical resource in writing and establishing new processes or procedures. The cytotechnologist performs a full range of specialized tasks, including collecting, compiling, and analyzing data according to the laboratory quality management program. The cytotechnologist uses these laboratory data to implement any needed quality improvement initiatives. The incumbent will research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment.Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs i. - iv. and the advanced KSA as identified by the corresponding asterisk(s):i. Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures.ii. 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.iii. Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives.iv. Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment.v. **Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings.vi. ***Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as CAP, JC, and OSHA, and to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation.vii. ****Knowledge and skill to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards.viii.*****Skill to maintain and troubleshoot computers and laboratory system instrumentation.Preferred Experience: 5 years of experience reading Thin-Prep paps 5 years of experience with FNA slide prep and assessment 5 years of experience reading non-gyns 5 years of experience writing policy and procedures for accreditation compliance 3 years of experience operating PAP processors (Hologic) 3 years experience with Quality Control, Record Keeping, Troubleshooting, and Compliance References: VA Handbook 5005/123, Part II, Appendix G61The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking 6-8 hours; Standing 6-8 hours: Repeated bending6-8 hours; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Hearing (aid permitted); Eye-hand coordination. ["The Cytotechnologist position is in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service of the Salem VA Medical Center. The incumbent performs highly complex laboratory diagnostic testing for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in the laboratory specialty of cytopathology. The Cytotechnologist duties include but are not limited to: Advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance. For assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, the cytotechnologist independently performs and monitors processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining. If a discrepancy is identified with these processes, the cytotechnologist will troubleshoot and take corrective action. The Incumbent may act as a technical resource in writing and establishing new processes or procedures. The incumbent performs a full range of specialized tasks, including collecting, compiling, and analyzing data according to the laboratory quality management program. The incumbent uses these laboratory data to implement any needed quality improvement initiatives; will research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment. The Cytotechnologist is responsible for performance of a broad range of testing on patient specimens including surgical specimens, autopsy, gynecological, aspiration biopsy material, blood, urine, sputum, body fluids, CSF, scrapings, and washings. Participates in the fine needle aspiration biopsy service daily, including rapid on-site assessments to evaluate for specimen adequacy. Independently perform ROSE (rapid on-site evaluation). The Cytotechnologist has wide latitude for exercising independent judgement. Develops and implements the use of protocols for performance of tests and evaluation of results and monitors conformity to protocols. Regularly retrieves and evaluates patient data to assess relevant cytopathology parameters (e.g. cytology- histology correlations, ASCUS/SIL ratios, lookback data). Participates in proficiency testing programs for Anatomic Pathology and Surgical Pathology (e.g. Pap PT, ASCP Check Sample Program, CAP surveys). Develops, maintains, and updates procedure manuals. Designs forms as necessary to comply with regulatory agency and laboratory needs. Provides assistance with record keeping system including statistical analysis for Anatomic Pathology and monitors workload recording system. Coordinates and maintains documentation for staff pathologists on all external proficiency testing relating to cytopathology and surgical pathology. Ensures patient materials are provided in a timely fashion for internal and external customers (e.g., pathology case conferences, external facility requests, samples to be tested at reference labs). The position is under technical directorship of the Chief of P&LMS or assigned pathologist and supervision of the Anatomic Pathology Supervisor. The Anatomic Pathology Supervisor provides administrative guidance and general supervision in terms of the broadly defined missions or functions of P&LMS. The position is responsible for independently planning, organizing and coordinating work, resolving problems and ensuring conformity to policy and requirements. Customer Service: Meet the needs of customers while supporting VA missions; consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner; provides customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures; and handles conflict & problems in dealing with the customers constructively and appropriately. Health Safety: The work environment includes risks of exposure, discomfort, and/or irritation associated with regular and recurrent use of hazards such as infectious materials, hazardous, toxic, and carcinogenic reagents (e.g. formaldehyde) and sharp objects (e.g. scalpel blades and microtome knives). The incumbent must use appropriate PPEs, (protective clothing, gloves, face masks, safety goggles, mechanical pipetting devices and biologic safety hoods) as indicated by established safety procedures. The incumbent is required to read and follow guidelines stated in P&LMS and medical center safety manuals. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 08:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Highly qualified applicants up to $10K Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
