Summary

Advanced histopathology technicians at the GS-7 level have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The technician will have the responsibility of performing difficult histological - histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures - as well as developing - modifying - or adapting new staining methods or techniques - improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures.

Duties

• Major duties include - but are not limited to: Maintains knowledge of and complies with federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988
• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing tasks of the histopathology technician occupation involving anatomic pathology - i.e
• surgical pathology - autopsy pathology and cytopathology
• In addition - performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
• recognizes deviation from expected results
• analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation taking into account physiologic processes and requirements
• Maintains and documents the optimal function of laboratory equipment
• Uses - identifies malfunctions - repairs - and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Diagnoses and troubleshoots deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction
• Performs and documents quality control - quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement - as applicable
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the laboratory
• Identifies discrepancies - solves problems - and presents solutions
• Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using theoretical knowledge
• Interprets findings and makes recommendations
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers - patients - and others)
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying histopathology and cytopathology principles
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
• Performs proficiency testing and prepares for accreditation agencies' inspections
• Ensures and maintains accurate patient identification through the chain of custody of the specimen
• Prepares technically adequate slides of surgical - cytology - and autopsy specimens by processing - embedding tissue - cutting - staining and cover-slipping
• Utilizes specialized techniques for handling cell blocks - frozen sections - bone marrows - autopsies - and fine-needle biopsies Work Schedule: Full Time - M-F - 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized