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Summary This incumbent will receive a variety of specimens to process in the Histopathology Department at the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System in Biloxi, MS. Work area is a histopathology laboratory with unpleasant odors, chemical fumes, with sharp and dangerous equipment. Walking and prolonged standing are required. The purpose of the position is to assist the pathologists in getting an acceptable specimen to view any abnormalities. Responsibilities If you are not a current permanent VA employees or Federal employees from other federal agencies should apply under CBST-12508484-24-CG. Duties include but are not limited to: All surgical, autopsy and biopsy specimens are submitted to the Histopathology Department where the incumbent records and prepares the specimens for gross examination by the pathologist. Must recognize and identify as to type and origin, pieces of wet tissue and to select those which will demonstrate the lesion known or suspected to be present. Will correctly and appropriately describe surgical specimens, grossly sectioning them if necessary, and submitting them, entirely if small enough or representative portions of common specimens, for routine histopathological processing. Incumbent coverslips slides using mounting medium. The incumbent prepares such complicated specimens as minute biopsies obtained by bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy, cystoscopy, peritoneoscopy and mediastinoscopy. Incumbent must apply to the total procedure the comprehensive knowledge necessary to recognize significant deviations in test patterns and, when applicable, recommend additional and/or new tests. Assists pathologist with post-mortem examinations. Must keep records of processed work in an orderly manner, which will allow accessed work to be easily retrievable. Maintains and calibrates the equipment necessary for the processing, preparation and staining of tissue specimens. Maintains and affixes labels designating chemical hazards, stores, and categorizes chemicals received into inventory. Incumbent is responsible for maintaining inventories of supplies and reagents and preparing and using the most cost-effective methods of providing such supplies and reagents for use within the department. The incumbent cuts, stains and mounts for immediate examination by the pathologist while the surgeon waits for the report. Incumbent prepares fresh stain and selects and obtains the control tissues. At times the incumbent must assume the responsibility of introducing a new stain, mastering the technique and/or experimenting with the method to produce a satisfactory result. Incumbent will research, investigate, and implement complicated immunohistochemical stains and introduce their utilization, at the direction of the pathologists, to the armamentarium of the facility's pathology department. Incumbent's responsibilities include the receiving of specimens for diagnostic cytology and cytology processing. Works with the pathologist to present to the Chief P&LMS, future plans for attainment of goals of this section regarding personnel, supplies and equipment. Assists medical photographer with preparation of tissues for photographic study. In the absence of the medical photographer, incumbent may perform the duties of photographing of gross and microscopic tissues. Technician must be able to assist in the preparation and performance of autopsies and be knowledgeable to instruct Medical Technicians in the performance of their required duties. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 0800 - 1630; Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 520-00148-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. 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. 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. Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. Experience and Education 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, Education 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, 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 3 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: GS-07 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. In addition to the experience above, The candidate must demonstrate all of the following knowledge, skills and abilities. Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. 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. Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems. Preferred Experience: Working in a histology lab or experience with a microtome/cutting human tissue. Experience with patients at the bedside. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: 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. 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 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.