Cytotechnologist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Bay Pines (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay Pines VA Medical Center is seeking a Cytotechnologist to perform highly complex diagnostic testing in cytopathology. The role requires a CAHEP-accredited cytotechnology program, CT or SCT certification, and US citizenship.

Experience at the GS-11 level with strong quality management and data analysis skills is expected. Applicants must meet English proficiency and professional standards set by the VA.

Qualifications

• United States citizenship is required; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited as per VA policy.
• English language proficiency in speaking and writing is mandatory.
• Bachelor's degree and CAHEP-accredited cytotechnology program completed.
• CT or SCT certification by ASCP is required.
• Grandfathering provision may apply for current VHA cytotechnologists.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform and monitor complex cytology procedures and analyses.
• Lead quality assurance activities and data analysis for the laboratory.
• Research, test, validate, and implement new cytology procedures and equipment.
• Provide training and act as a resource for new processes and safety standards.

Skills

Cytopathology expertise

Quality management

Data analysis for QA

Education

Bachelor's degree + Cytotechnology program (CAHEP-accredited)

Job description

The Bay Pines VA Medical Center is a general medical and surgical facility classified as a Level 1A complexity institution. It is a teaching hospital that provides a full range of patient care services supported by state‑of‑the‑art technology. The Cytotechnologist is a certified laboratory professional who performs highly complex diagnostic testing on human specimens for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease within the specialty of cytopathology.

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. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• 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.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.
• Certification: Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification.
• 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. 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 11 Experience. 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.

Assignments. For all assignments above the journey level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, the cytotechnologist independently performs and monitors processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining. If a discrepancy is identified with these processes, the cytotechnologist will troubleshoot and take corrective action. The cytotechnologist may act as a technical resource in writing and establishing new processes or procedures. The cytotechnologist performs a full range of specialized tasks, including collecting, compiling, and analyzing data according to the laboratory quality management program. The cytotechnologist uses these laboratory data to implement any needed quality improvement initiatives. The Cytotechnologist will research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs

1. Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures.
2. 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.
3. Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
4. Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment.
5. Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings.
6. 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.
7. Knowledge and skill to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards.
8. Skill to maintain and troubleshoot computers and laboratory system instrumentation.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 45 lbs. Straight pulling. pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands (grasping). Walking, frequent standing (i.e. up to 4 hours). Kneeling repeated bending and use of both arms and legs and repetitive motion. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes and depth perception. Ability to distinguish colors anti shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted). Clear high cognitive function and emotional stability. Ability to read ordinary type without strain.