Lead Cytotechnologist

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. The Lead Cytotechnologist evaluates requested procedures to determine the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requests new specimen if determined to be unusable. Other duties include but are not limited too; Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiological state of the properties is maintained. Prepare reagents and primary reference material. Selects, 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 protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrective actions. Recognizes and defines testing problems and evaluates methods for solution. Evaluates guides or implements possible alternative approaches to standard methods. Accessions specimens in the laboratory information system. Prioritizes, processes, and prepares specimens for cytological diagnostic procedures, including FNA. This includes the use of monolayer technology (Thin Prep), cytocentrifugation and cellblock preparation. Utilizes appropriate fixation and staining techniques to include, but not limited to, Papanicolaou staining, technique, monitors and labels slide according to procedure. Receives specimens and accompanying requisitions and reviews for completeness and accuracy. The Lead Cytotechnologist is responsible for oversight of all anatomic pathology sent out material and reporting. The Lead Cytotechnologists assists in Quality management programs for the anatomic pathology department as needed. Work Schedule: Days 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 95384-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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. Certification (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 Certification. An employee who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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). 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, 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 occupation. Grade Determinations: Lead Cytotechnologist, GS-11 (a) 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. (b) 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. The lead cytotechnologist provides direction to cytology staff by overseeing daily operations of the cytology laboratory. The incumbent monitors the processing of cytology preparations, including associated quality control measures. The lead cytotechnologist establishes procedure manuals and forms necessary to meet departmental and regulatory needs.…