Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 65,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Histopathology Technician to support the Anatomic Pathology laboratory. You will prepare tissue sections, perform frozen sections, embed specimens, and assist in autopsies as needed.

The role requires strong Histology skills and adherence to quality standards. Responsibilities include specimen processing, staining, and ensuring accurate documentation for external reviews.

Qualifications

• Requires US citizenship and English proficiency.
• Bachelor’s or higher with related science coursework, or two years of study with 24 sem hrs in Chemistry/biological sciences plus histopathology training.
• Equivalent education/experience combos accepted.

Responsibilities

• Receive specimens and process for testing in Histology.
• Embed tissue, section and stain slides for analysis.
• Perform frozen sections and assist in autopsies as needed.
• Provide technical guidance and maintain quality control records.
• Prepare for external reviews and maintain supplies.

Skills

Histology techniques

Quality control

Technical oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or chemistry

2 years of study plus 12-month histopathology program

Associate degree in health care field

Tools

Cryostat microtome

Tissue embedding equipment

Job description

Summary

The Histopathology technician is responsible for the activities of the anatomic pathology (Histology) section of the laboratory. Provides authoritative advice and consultation in the Histology section as they apply to the Anatomic Pathology laboratory. Implements and maintains Histology functions and workload recording - taking into account compliance principles. Serves as the local expert for the Histology section.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• 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.) 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(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 - 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
• Certification
• None
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency
• Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5.a. - this part
• 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) Experience
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• 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
• Preferred Experience: Ability to perform frozen sections - accessioning and grossing tissue samples
• Set up and assist with autopsies - and additional departmental daily duties
• Experience in anatomic pathology is preferred
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties

• The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
• This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
• This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
• Major duties include but are not limited to: Receives all requests and specimens for testing at the laboratory
• Is responsible for embedding tissue of all sizes in the proper medium and in the proper manner for correct sectioning
• Performs frozen section preparations
• Frozen section preparation includes selection of pathogenic portions of the specimen
• marking it for correct orientation and identification of the tumor margins - freezing the unfixed specimen
• sectioning it with a cryostat microtome and staining and cover slipping the slide
• Prepares specimens for cytological exam using filter preparations and blocks
• Performs staining of tissue sections - including histochemical and other advanced staining techniques
• Assists the pathologist or pathology resident with surgical gross description and processing
• Serves as an autopsy assistant
• Adapts and develops new test and staining procedures
• Assists residents - fellows and physicians during bone marrow collection procedures by ensuring that bone marrow aspirate slides are correctly made and air-dried - biopsy specimens are placed in the appropriate fixative and specimens for flow cytometry and cytogenetics are mixed to prevent clotting
• Provides technical guidance to technicians/technologists when quality control or instrument problems occur
• Documents appropriate instrument maintenance and perform proper routine maintenance
• Assists in preparation for external reviews by Joint Commission - IG - SOARS - CAP - FDA - etc which includes completing survey questionnaires - updating and revising appropriate policies - and assuring that records are accurate and maintained appropriately
• Trains staff on the inspection and accreditation rules and regulations
• Assists in maintaining appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of the assigned sections (Histology)
• Assists in calibration - standardization - and adjustments of instruments - verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks
• and identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: A relocation incentive may be authorized for Federal employees who must change worksite and physically relocate to a different geographic area
• A recruitment incentive may be authorized for highly qualified non-federal employee applicants
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.