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Advanced histopathology technician at the GS-7 level have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The technician will have the responsibility of performing difficult histological, histochemical and immuno-histochemical procedures, as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine Histotechnology procedures. 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: Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education and/or Experience Combination: (a) 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, (b) Education (a) 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 (b) 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, (3) Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science, surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or an associate's degree in a health care related field. (b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces. Grade Determinations: Experience: GS-7 One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. (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. References: VA Handbook 5005/102 Part II, Appendix G55 Histopathology Technician GS-0646 Veterans Health Administration. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position involves extended periods of standing and the ability to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 30, 2022. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 30, 2022, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. 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. Maintains knowledge of and complies with federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing tasks of the histopathology technician occupation involving anatomic pathology, i.e. surgical pathology, autopsy pathology and cytopathology. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. Maintains and documents the optimal function of laboratory equipment. Uses, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control, quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement, as applicable. Adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the laboratory Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying histopathology and cytopathology principles. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Ensures and maintains accurate patient identification through the chain of custody of the specimen. Prepares technically adequate slides of surgical, cytology, and autopsy specimens by processing, embedding tissue, cutting, staining and cover slipping. Utilizes specialized techniques for handling cell blocks, frozen sections, bone marrows, autopsies, and fine-needle biopsies Examines slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements Identifies problems in processing and staining procedures and makes necessary adjustments as needed for diagnostic purposes and the maintenance of the autopsy suite, as needed. The Anatomic Pathology supervisor outlines assignment parameters, deadlines, and priorities and provides advice on how to proceed when unusual problems are encountered. The technician plans and carries out the procedures necessary to complete the work assignment; handles problems and corrects errors in accordance with established protocols or accepted laboratory practices. The technician exercises judgment in the execution of the work and solves most technical problems independently, keeping the supervisor informed of all technical problems and requesting assistance as needed. The supervisor reviews the work reports for the technical soundness and conformity to policy and established requirements. Not on SSR - pay is based on RUS schedule. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 07:00am - 15:30pm\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Authorized\nTelework: Not Authorized\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: Histopathology Technician/ 50511-A\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]