This Cytotechnologist position is located at VALLHCS. 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. 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 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: Cytotechnologist GS-11 Experience: At this level, the candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level that is directly related to the position to be filled. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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. Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings. 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. Knowledge and skill to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards References: VA Handbook 5005/126 PART II APPENDIX G61 Cytotechnologist Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements: This position requires manual dexterity, the ability to sit and concentrate for extended periods of time while embedding and cutting specimens, and to stand for several consecutive hours during the preparation of specimens. Position may require lifting of reagent containers weighing up to 44 pounds and assisting in the moving of bodies during autopsy procedures. See also VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until the position has been filled or until October 18, 2023. The initial cut-off for referral of eligible applications will be August 8, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals until the position is filled. Duties include but are not limited to: Cytologist performs GYN and Non-GYN evaluations. Performs and monitors processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining. Determines specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures. Troubleshoots and takes corrective action with smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining that show discrepancies. Maintains laboratory equipment. Determines how to prioritize workflow/specimen triage. Monitors the overall laboratory quality management and quality control program, and initiates corrective action as needed. Evaluates all cytology preparations by light microscopy for the presence or absence of cellular patterns, presence of micro-organisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, pre-malignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents. Issues and verifies the final diagnosis for gynecologic specimens interpreted to be negative. Prepares all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunochemistry testing, as well as filtration methods, preparation, fixation, and staining of slides. Instructs others on the proper collection methods and transportation of specimens, and to determine acceptability of patient samples for processing. Ensures compliance for the standards of regulatory agencies, such as The Joint Commission (TJC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Researches, tests, validates, and implements new procedures and equipment. Writes and establishes new processes or procedures. Work Schedule: 7:00-3:30, rotating weekends, holidays and on call Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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.
