Summary This is an OPEN AND CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT until October 1 , 2024. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. Responsibilities General Duties: Assignments require the advanced knowledge of the theories, principles, technical practices and detailed cellular structures specific to all areas of cytotechnology (includes gynecological and non-gynecological specimens).\ Knowledge of medical and pathological processes to triage specimens to appropriate ancillary diagnostic tests such as flow cytometry, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, based upon minimal information and without written guidance. Incorporate new molecular technologies such as DNA testing for viruses, cytogenetic analysis of tumors, molecular markers of disease. The cytotechnologist is an integral part of the health care team and is directly involved in patient care through diagnostic assistance during costly procedures (CT scan, bronchoscopy, aspiration biopsy). Cytotechnologists must incorporate medical knowledge of pathologic entities into diagnosis evaluation and specimen triage. Since interpretive errors can result in medical mismanagement, and are the major cause of pathology litigation, the degree of personal responsibility in this position is high. Professional knowledge of cytotechnology concepts, principles, and methodologies sufficient to develop and establish procedures for cytological determinations is required to perform the more difficult and infrequent procedures, as well as to evaluate, modify, and implement new methods. Knowledge to perform screening and processing, as well as citing recommendations for more specific diagnostic testing. Maintain a thorough understanding of the ultrastructural characteristics of both normal and abnormal cells obtained from numerous body sites in order to differentiate between neoplastic (benign and malignant) and non-neoplastic disease processes. Independent judgment is essential in deciding which cases are within normal limits as opposed to those cases which require further interpretation. Consistency in judgment in the development of a differential diagnosis by the use of observation, application, analysis and synthesis is crucial. Knowledge of special staining procedures, applications, and interpretation. Theoretical and practical knowledge of the standard state-of-the-art methods of collection and preparation of specimens for all types of cytological evaluation. Knowledge of CAP and Joint Commission standards to maintain accreditation, medico legal responsibilities, federal and state laws and regulations sufficient to ensure that cytology plans and procedures are consistent with those requirements. Knowledge of immunopathologic principles and methodologies. Knowledge of medical terminology sufficient to communicate in an organized, articulate, and accurate manner to the medical staff. Knowledge of quality control systems, corrective actions, inspection and accreditation, proficiency testing programs, and procedures for preventive maintenance and 2 performance testing of instruments and equipment sufficient to identify and resolve problems and assure compliance with appropriate requirements. Knowledge of the types of surveillance needed to monitor variables that affect quality of services and skills in evaluating, interpreting, and teaching others to use quality control procedures and implementing corrective actions where indicated. Mastery of cytopathology principles, concepts, and methods to apply new scientific/technological developments and theories to major problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods and/or take actions or make recommendations which have significant impact on existing agency/national policies and programs. Typically the cytotechnologist is recognized as a technical authority in a particular discipline or function. Knowledge & skill sufficient to evaluate and approve clinical laboratories for CAP accreditation throughout a multistate region. Assignments require expert knowledge of all aspects of laboratory practice as well as statutory requirements and published rule & regulations to plan and conduct the surveys of laboratories; assure compliance of CAP and Joint Commission standards; develop & recommend regulations, criteria, and standards for laboratory certification; provide technical assistance to other laboratories, professional organizations, & others in developing laboratory/surveyor improvement programs, providing training, modifying guidelines/procedures to make them compatible with Federal requirements, etc.; provide authoritative advice and consultation on the interpretation and application of Medicare/Medicaid standards for medical laboratory services & other cytopathology related issues; & collaborate with other regions and programs of the agency in developing national guideline materials. Work Schedule: 8am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70649F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. English Language Proficiency. Cytotechnologists must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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. ( Transcripts must be submitted) 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. ( Foreign evaluation must be submitted) Certification: Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification ( Certification must be submitted) Grandfathering Provision. All cytotechnologists employed in VHA, in this occupational series, performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all the qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard, but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to the position, the following provisions apply: (1) Cytotechnologists that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Cytotechnologists appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended, or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) Cytotechnologists initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain education and/or certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (4) Cytotechnologists who were retained in this occupation, under this provision, and subsequently leave the occupation, lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. 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: 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/126 PART II APPENDIX G61 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurrent standing, sitting, transporting samples between work areas, stretching, reaching, bending and lifting of reagents/supplies for instruments. Moderate risks of discomfort associated with working in a clinical laboratory with regular and recurrent possible exposure to hazards such as infectious, chemical and/or environmental agents and performing repetitive motions to complete tasks. Safety guidelines on safe equipment operation must be adhered to. There is possibility of constant stress and mental pressure to complete all testing in an accurate and timely manner for quality patient care. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until October 1, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be bi weekly. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.