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USAJOBS · 2 months ago

Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$52K/yr - $68K/yr

1+ years exp

The USAJOBS company is part of the Veterans Health Administration, and they are seeking a Histopathology Technician (Advanced) for the Fayetteville VA Medical Center. This role involves technical oversight and independent execution of complex histopathology tasks within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service.

ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Receives all requests and specimens for testing into the laboratory. Verifies the accuracy and completeness of the request and proper sample submission. Properly identifies all specimens. Verifies discrepancies with the provider. Accessions all specimens into the hospital computer system

Is responsible for embedding tissue of all sizes in the proper medium and in the proper manner for correct sectioning. Operates the microtome to achieve tissue sections of the thickness requested by the pathologist. Performs routine and special stains as requested by the pathologist. Correctly coverslips preparations so that there are no artifacts produced. Can ascertain the need for and perform fixation techniques that are non-routine such as EM preparations and bone decalcification

Performs frozen section preparations. Frozen section preparation includes selection of pathogenic portions of the specimen; marking it for correct orientation and identification of the tumor margins, freezing the unfixed specimen; sectioning it with a cryostat microtome and staining and cover slipping

Performs staining of tissue sections, including histochemical, immunohistochemical and other advanced staining techniques. These procedures are specialized and often complex, difficult and non-standardized. Many procedural steps are not covered by specific instructions. The choices of alternative ways of proceeding are determined through the Histopathology Technician's professional training and experience. Procedures must be adapted to individual variance in specimen and stain performance

Assists the pathologist with surgical gross description and processing. Selection of the proper fixation technique is also critical, such as decalcification of bony specimens

Assists the pathologist, radiologist, endocrinologist or other provider during specimen collection of fine needle aspirations and bone marrow. S/he prepares specialized touch preparations and aspirate smears in accordance with protocol

Serves as an autopsy assistant. The incumbent assures all necessary documentation, including proper authorization, is present. S/he prepares the autopsy suite including selection of appropriate instruments, devices, containers, solution and other equipment. S/he is responsible for maintenance of an aseptic area, including instruments, equipment, clothing and proper asepsis for specimen handling. Carries out a full variety of technical autopsy procedures such as primary incisions, removal of breastbone, skull-cap, brain, and brain and other organs as directed

Performs general program support work such as the collection, compilation, research, filing and/or tracking of data and program information/reports

Adapts and develops new test and staining procedures. This development requires research into state-of-the-art methods and advancing technology. These new procedures are evaluated for proper performance of equipment and stains

Assists in writing procedures for the department of all tests performed in accordance with Joint Commission, College of American Pathologists and other regulatory agencies. Reviews procedures as needed and gives suggestions for updates needed for the procedures

Assists in the evaluation and implementation in the use of new methodologies and instrumentation in the Histology Section. Assists in writing and updating procedure manuals in the assigned sections (Histology). Keeps abreast of new technology

Assists in the Quality Improvement and Quality Control programs in Histopathology

Assists with ensuring that the department policies meet the requirements of regulatory and accrediting agencies such as CAP, JCAHO, and OSHA. Assists with ensuring that all regulatory survey requirements are completed. Performs audits as needed

Responsible for specimen retrieval and quality improvement forms for 10% review of all surgical and pathology cases and 50% of all fine needle aspirates in accordance with VA Handbook 1106.1

Assists in preparation, packaging and shipping of specimens to be submitted for quality assurance programs and for professional consultation

Consults with physicians and medical staff about specimens submitted for testing. Gives instruction on proper handling of specimens, including fixation procedures and specimen requirements

Provides technical guidance to technicians when quality control or instrument problems occur

Assists in inventory and ordering of supplies and reagents for the section, keeping sufficient inventory to avoid emergent orders but not outdating reagents

Qualification

Histopathology techniquesAnatomic pathology principlesQuality control proceduresInstrument troubleshootingBiological science knowledgeChemistry knowledgeTechnical guidanceResearch skillsCommunication skillsTeam collaboration

Required

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this 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

Subject to background/security investigation

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

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy

Experience. One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician

OR, Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation such as biological science or chemistry

OR, Successful completion of two academic years of study above high school that included at least 24 semester hours in Chemistry and/or in appropriate fields of biological science and successful completion of a 12-month program of education and training in histopathology or cytotechnology

OR, Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable

Certification. None

English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE

Histopathology Technician, GS-7 (Advanced): (1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (a) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques

(b) Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement exhibiting competence in managing reagent and supply inventories and document control systems

(c) Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting

(d) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems

The work requires regular and recurrent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moderate lifting to perform tasks and procedures with instruments and other equipment

The employee must have normal color vision

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 procedure