The incumbent serves as a Lead Histopathology Technologist in the Histology, Cytology, Immunohistochemistry, Autopsy, and Electron Microscopic (EM) sections of the laboratory. The incumbent ensures compliance with the accrediting agency and regulatory requirements, establishes, and monitors the quality of the pre-analytical processes as part of the overall laboratory quality management program. This position is located at the New York Harbor Healthcare System. 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 meet one of the requirements below: (1) Successful completion of a full four-year course of study from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, that included a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of a histopathology technologist, such as, but not limited to clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy; OR, (2) Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both); OR, (3) Successful completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education, leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, with a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the position of histopathology technologist, such as clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, premedical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy. 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. (1) Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. The ASCP requires completion of one of the following for a candidate to be considered "board eligible" to take the certification exam: (a) Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS); OR, (b) One year of full time experience in all of the following: fixation, embedding, microtomy, processing, and staining in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry, or research) laboratory. 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: Lead Histopathology Technologist, GS-11 (1) Education and Experience. Must meet one of the following: (a) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled; or (b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; or (c) A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology, or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum. (2) Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. The lead histopathology technologist may lead other histopathology technicians and/or histopathology technologists or others in the performance of histopathology work. At this level, the lead histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of specialized tests, applying histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Must be able to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis. Performs advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples and guides staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens. The lead histopathology technologist must be skilled in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Leads in the introduction of new tests including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, record keeping, and documentation. Researches, develops, tests, optimizes and validates complex histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or in situ hybridization (ISH) protocols, including, but not limited to, new antibodies, probes, detection protocols/kits, new lots and concentrated antibody titrations. Troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests as well as equipment by using independent judgment and resources available to resolve issues. The lead histopathology technologist identifies suboptimal testing and takes corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on patient samples. Monitors and makes work assignments, provides input on performance, resolves daily workplace issues, and maintains efficient workflow. Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: assuring coverage of all areas of responsibility; conducting ongoing reviews to ensure quality of work; providing guidance to staff members, to include changes in policies and procedures; distributing and balancing workload; orienting and providing on-the-job training for new and current employees; and ensuring all training requirements are met in addition to organizing the work structure of his/her assigned areas. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis. (b) Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens and perform a full range of routine and specialized tests. (c) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. (d) Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample. (e) Ability to monitor and make work assignments, balance workload, and ensure duties are completed in an accurate and timely manner. This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of incomplete work. References: VA Handbook 5005/118 PART II APPENDIX G65. HISTOPATHOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0601 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. Work Environment: A majority of the work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; The area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. A smaller portion of work is performed in a laboratory environment where safety precaution, such as standard precautions the use of personal protective equipment are required ["The primary duties and responsibilities of the Lead Histopathology Technologist include but are not limited to the following: Receives and/or obtains specimens using appropriate techniques, maintaining proper identification. Performs all elements of gross examination and sectioning of all types of surgical pathology specimens. Prepares specimens for analysis according to the specifications of the procedure. Act as a liaison between the specialty area9s) and the supervisor. Handles all type of human tissue which may include; receiving, checking, accepting, timing, logging, storing and/or shipping, if necessary. Provides technical guidance to ensure all tissues are properly oriented when embedding them, according to established procedures and depending on the type of specimen being prepared (e.g. shave biopsies on edge; core biopsies to demonstrate the maximum amount of tissue). Processes all cytological specimens including sputa, body secretions, fluids and fine needle aspirates. Recognizes origin and type of tissues and properly orients and cuts small or complex specimens, choosing appropriate microtome knives and section thickness. Photography of gross specimens and maintenance of a teaching collection of gross and microscopic photographs. Function as assistant to anatomic pathologists by participating in gross autopsy dissection. Prepares frozen tissue sections for special immunological studies which includes; selecting, freezing, cutting (microtomy) and staining Tissue for Frozen Section exam by the pathologist. Employs the cryostat. Teaches and trains other laboratory personnel to perform immunohistochemical and stains. Under the direction of the supervisor maintains QA files of blocks and slides needed to perform special stains and immunohistochemistry stains in the laboratory. Stains tissue sections using special stains as required. Able to troubleshoot all problems with special staining procedures and implements changes. Prepares all stains and chemical solutions with a competent, practical knowledge of chemistry. Performs complex immunohistochemical stains and procedures including, but not limited to, special pre-treatment procedures, antigen retrieval, enzymatic digestion, antibody diluting, and titers, immunofluorescence, enzyme immunohistochemistry and frozen section microtomy. Provide technical guidance to the staff of the following disciplines in the Path & Lab Service: Histology, Cytology, Immunohistochemistry, Autopsy, and Electron Microscopic (EM) sections. Collaborate with the supervisor to maintain laboratory supplies par levels. Place and expedite orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies. Prepares reports, writes operating procedures, maintains records, and administrative information. Prepares and presents work-related information to supervisor. Ability to work as a histopathology technologist, as needed, and accomplish duties specifically assigned to the technologist in at least two of the areas supervised. Sustains competency in those areas. Ensures activities associated with process improvement, customer service, data driven decision making or team driven change are accomplished. Each employee will ensure they complete the current mandatory hours of continuing education. Coordinates Quality Control activities with the Supervisory Medical Technologist & QA Manager(s). Coordinates proficiency program for their assigned specialty area(s). Prepare policy/procedure manuals according to VA, Medical Center policies, FDA, CAP, Joint Commission and NCCLS standards and requirements. Prepares and presents work-related information to supervisor. Use of knowledge of medico-legal responsibilities; regulatory agency requirements including VHA Regional Commissioner, CAP, JACHO, Federal and State laws to assist service in ensuring that all clinical chemistry areas meet the accreditation criteria established by agencies. Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:"]

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