Lead Cytotechnologist

Summary The incumbent serves as a Lead Cytotechnologist with the duties of planning - directing and carrying out functions for the cytology area while providing oversight of specimen send out for the anatomic pathology department. This includes a wide variety of technical procedures to prepare diversified cytologic specimens for microscopic evaluation. The incumbent also examines these specimens under the microscope - evaluating cellular characteristics for the purpose of detecting abnormal cells. 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 PolicyEnglish Language ProficiencyCytotechnologists must be proficient in spoken and written EnglishSee 38 U.S.C.7403(f)EducationIndividuals 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 programCertification (1) Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification(2) Loss of CertificationAn employee who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employmentMay 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)Grandfathering ProvisionAll 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 occupationFor 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 - the following provisions apply: (1) Cytotechnologists that do not meet the basic requirements for education and certification may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance level - or demoted within the occupation - but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions(2) Cytotechnologists appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended - or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis - until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard(3) Cytotechnologists initially grandfathered into this occupation - who subsequently obtain education and/or certification that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard - must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation(4) Cytotechnologists who were retained in this occupation - under this provision - and subsequently leave the occupation - lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupationGrade Determinations: Lead Cytotechnologist - GS-11 (a) ExperienceThe 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(b) AssignmentsFor 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 timeThe lead cytotechnologist provides direction to cytology staff by overseeing daily operations of the cytology laboratoryThe incumbent monitors the processing of cytology preparations - including associated quality control measuresThe lead cytotechnologist establishes procedure manuals and forms necessary to meet departmental and regulatory needsThe lead cytotechnologist will research - test - validate - and implement new procedures and equipmentThe lead cytotechnologist monitors abnormal test results - notifies the physician when necessary - and completes documentation in accordance with CAP requirementsThe lead cytotechnologist will monitor and make work assignments - provide input on performance - resolve daily workplace issues - and maintain efficient workflowAssignments at this level include - but are not limited to: assuring coverage of all areas of responsibilityconducting ongoing reviews to ensure quality of workproviding guidance to staff members to include changes in policies and proceduresdistributing and balancing workloadorienting and providing on-the-job training for new and current employeesensuring all training requirements are metand organizing the work structure of the assigned area(c) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and AbilitiesIn addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: iSkill in researching - testing - validating - and implementing new procedures and equipmentiiAbility to monitor abnormal test results - which includes notification to the physician when necessary - and to complete documentation in accordance with CAP requirementsiiiAbility to lead others - monitor and make work assignments - balance workload - and ensure duties are completed in an accurate and timely mannerThis includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of incomplete workivKnowledge of laboratory requirements to develop - maintain - and issue written instructions and standard operating procedures - including the design of forms that comply with regulatory agenciesReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as prolonged standing - bending over microscopes - reaching for supplies or materials - and lifting moderately heavy items such as centrifuges and record boxes (or occasionally lifting heavier items such as reagent packs)The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as dexterity to perform intricate collection or analysis procedures and color vision. Duties The Lead Cytotechnologist evaluates requested procedures to determine the suitability of the specimen for analysis - requests new specimen if determined to be unusableOther duties include but are not limited tooPrepares specimens for analysis - ensuring that the physiological state of the properties is maintainedPrepare reagents and primary reference materialSelects - performs - evaluates - and monitors the performance of non-routine and specialized test procedures such as smear preparation - cell block preparation - monolayer filtration processing - and staining using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocolsRecognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunctionlocates and implements corrective actionsRecognizes and defines testing problems and evaluates methods for solutionEvaluates guides or implements possible alternative approaches to standard methodsAccessions specimens in the laboratory information systemPrioritizes - processes - and prepares specimens for cytological diagnostic procedures - including FNAThis includes the use of monolayer technology (Thin Prep) - cytocentrifugation and cellblock preparationUtilizes appropriate fixation and staining techniques to include - but not limited to - Papanicolaou staining - technique - monitors and labels slide according to procedureReceives specimens and accompanying requisitions and reviews for completeness and accuracyThe Lead Cytotechnologist is responsible for oversight of all anatomic pathology sent out material and reportingThe Lead Cytotechnologists assists in Quality management programs for the anatomic pathology department as neededWork Schedule: Days 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 95384-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.