Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to the following:

• The incumbent performs as a technical specialist in providing histologic preparations required to discern the nature and extent of disease in surgical and autopsy specimens. Incumbent is responsible for identification and accessioning of blocks and unstained slides and the maintenance of stored diagnostic materials, workload and specimen tracking records, and quality control records in accordance with professional, institutional, state and federal regulations and guidelines.
• The incumbent has primary responsibilities in the proper preparation, handling and processing of numerous types of clinical and research samples.
• The incumbent provides clinical diagnostic support by using specialized histopathology diagnostic techniques, principally histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and enzyme cytochemistry.
• The incumbent assists Pathologists in testing new procedures as they pertain to diagnostic and experimental activities.
• The incumbent evaluates and introduces new techniques relevant to specialized diagnostic laboratory for pathology. Such techniques include immune-alkaline phosphatase techniques and other specialized and newly developed antibody-staining techniques. The incumbent reviews new pertinent medical literature and aids in the preparation of results for publication and presentation at scientific meetings.
• The incumbent responds to intraoperative consultation requests, performing specialized procedures including frozen tissue sectioning and staining, preparation of cytologic media and handling of specimens for specialized procedures including flow cytometry, electron microscopy and cytogenetic studies.
• The incumbent is responsible for the operations, and maintenance of numerous forms of automated and specialized equipment used in the surgical pathology laboratories and morgue. The incumbent maintains quality control records and is able to perform routine maintenance and interim repairs to avoid delays or loss of valuable tissue specimens resulting from malfunctioning equipment.
• The incumbent keeps detailed logs and flow records of specimens being processed through the laboratory and monitors the results of specialized diagnostic procedures. The incumbent assists supervisor and other professional staff in identifying quality control issues, suggesting and assisting in implementing procedural changes necessary to expedite and streamline specimen processing.
• The incumbent instructs new residents and fellows in histologic and immunohistopathologic techniques, including the preparation of frozen and paraffin sections.
• The incumbent may assist the Pathology Specialist in accessioning and identifying, gross examination and description of clinical, surgical, autopsy and research. The incumbent may assists in the performance of post-mortem examinations, providing backup to the Pathology Specialists and maintaining proficiency by performing a minimum of two examinations per annum.
• Other Significant Facts: The mission of the laboratory is to support both clinical patient care and research. The position carries unusual and complex responsibilities in both areas. The incumbent has technical skills that are recognized as being at or above the national average for similar laboratories. Incumbents must continuously meet or exceed competency standards and performance standards already established. The incumbent assists management with its performance improvement goals, proficiency requirements and accreditation status. The incumbent must meet CUA 88 eligibility requirements as set forth in CFR 493. c Functions:
• Other duties as assigned.

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.
• 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  

  • VA Form 10-2850C
  • Histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification.
  • Resume
  • Transcript

  
  
  VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
  ***Required at time of Application***
  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  
  

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • VA Form 10-2850C
  • Histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification.
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  
  
  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/29/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11847425.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  Crystal Noriega

  Phone

  (512) 317-1310

  Email

  Crystal.Noriega@va.gov

  Address

  Memphis VA Medical Center
  1030 Jefferson Avenue
  Memphis, TN 38104
  US

  Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

Open to the Public; This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 10, 2022. Eligible applications after that date will be referred on regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.