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The Advanced Histopathology Technician serves as a specialized technician in the Anatomic Pathology section of the John D. Dingell VAMC-Detroit, Ml. In addition to a working knowledge of histotechnology and cytotechnology procedures, the position requires computer literacy, knowledge of computer anatomic pathology equipment and quality assurance/ control procedures and operations. **A Recruitment Incentive and/or Relocation incentive may be offered to a Highly Qualified Candidate** 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. Experience and Education: (1) 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, (2) 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. 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: Histopathology Technician, GS-7 (Advanced) (1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (2) Assignment. Histopathology technicians at this level generally have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight, and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The incumbent will have the responsibility of performing difficult specialized histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical procedures, as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. The technician will be responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems. 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. (3) 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 April 6, 2018 PART II APPENDIX G55 II-G55-2 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Sitting for above average periods of time, Light to moderate(0-44lbs) lifting and carrying, Straight pulling and /or pushing, Walking/or standing, Repeated bending and/ or reaching above the shoulders, Use of both legs, both hands and fingers, Fine manual dexterity and motor skills, Ability for rapid mental and muscular simultaneously, Ability to see in both eyes as depth perception is required, Hand-eye coordination, Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted), Multiple repetitive motion activities of the hands, wrist and arms. ["Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Following standard operating procedures (SOP) and/or seeking guidance to reconcile any discrepancies, as needed . Applying established routine and complex histotechnology and cytotechnology techniques such as processing, embedding, cutting, staining and covers lipping to prepare and distribute technically adequate slides of surgical cytology and autopsy specimens for analysis. Performs specialized complex Anatomic Pathology procedures to include: lmmunohistochernistry antibody, reagent and control verification; Special stain reagent and control verification; Chemical viability evaluation and testing; Improving, developing, modifying, adapting and validating current and/or new methodologies. Performs technical oversight of quality control procedures, to include troubleshooting and problem resolution, on equipment, reagents and products while keeping proper records for quality assurance and quality control reports. Using established procedures, performs preventive maintenance on instruments and equipment while verifying correct operation. Identifies the cause of problems and makes complex instrument repairs, as needed. Using specialized techniques for handling frozen section, bone marrow, autopsy, cell block and fine-needle biopsy specimens. Work Schedule: Full time, Monday- Friday;08:30am- 05:00pm. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS#91475A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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