The Primary Purpose of the Position is: 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 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 Cytotechnologist 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. 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 G61 The 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. ["This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 10/25/2022. Additional applications will be referred as needed. Major duties include, but are not limited to: 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. Researches, tests, validates, and implements new procedures and equipment. Acts as a technical resource in writing and establishing new processes or procedures with detailed information in accordance with federal regulatory standards as needed. Collects, compiles, and analyzes data according to the laboratory quality management program. The cytotechnologist uses this laboratory data to implement any needed quality improvement initiatives. Maintains all required data for review by accrediting agencies (including statistical analysis pertaining to workload, calculation of false negative and positive rates and other quality indicators). Screens gynecologic cytology specimens for premalignant and malignant condition, inflammatory agents and changes, viral cellular and therapeutic changes. Has diagnostic ability for negative PAP cases with the exception of 10% case review by a pathologist. Assists in the collection of fine needle aspiration cytology samples assuring that adequate supplies are maintained for the procedure. Assesses specimen adequacy and advises physician of the need for further sampling when required. Instructs others on the proper collection, preparation and transportation methods for specimens and determines acceptability of patient samples for processing. Assists personnel performing these cytoprepatory procedures in the cytology lab. These include, but are not limited to in processing specimens, processing and packaging specimens for shipment to reference laboratories and tracking and resulting the same to the patient's medical record. Assists in the pathology Gross Room with small biopsies as needed. Verifies patient identification and specimen type, marks surgical margins, takes and records precise measurements, prepares tissue imprint slides and special stains as well as other procedures involved in the gross processing of specimens. Provides essential coordination and summaries for broad review by the Medical Director of Anatomic Pathology. Tracks abnormal and/or unusual results and maintains constant contact with the Medical Director for appropriate follow up of the results. Takes and passes (with a grade of 90% or higher) an annual gyn cytology CAP approved proficiency examination. Develops quality control procedures for new tests as they are implemented within the department and provides applicable training to support and technical personnel. Directs support personnel in monitoring quality control data, taking appropriate corrective action as needed. Provides expertise for the operation of a wide variety of automated and manual equipment. Identifies control samples appropriate to monitor procedures; established protocols for evaluating control sample value and defines actions to be taken when control sample is outside limits, including initial training for new employees. Utilizes laboratory computer systems to record and document all work performed within the department. Controls specimen accessioning through the computer system to ensure accuracy and timeliness of data throughput. Responsible for timely completion and presentation of requested reports pertaining to cytology. These reports may be recurring in nature such as those for CAP or other proficiency surveys. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm 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.
