Cytotechnologist

Veterans Health Administration • Cleveland, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cytotechnologist plans, directs, and carries out functions for the cytology area, performing a wide range of technical procedures to prepare cytologic specimens for microscopic evaluation. The incumbent serves as a subject matter expert for cytology procedures and examinations and independently performs and monitors specialized testing processes. The position is at the GS-11 full performance level.

The Cytotechnologist evaluates specimen suitability, prepares reagents and reference materials, selects and performs routine and specialized procedures, and evaluates and monitors testing performance. Procedures include smear and cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining using manual and/or instrumental techniques. The incumbent identifies testing problems, troubleshoots instruments and deviations, verifies results in relation to patient data, and applies applicable laws, policies, and regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to maintain specialized testing. The role also involves analyzing emerging trends and technology and adapting methods and testing as appropriate.

The position works Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. It requires a baccalaureate degree and completion of an accredited cytotechnology program, as well as current ASCP Cytotechnologist (CT) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) certification, subject to the stated grandfathering provisions. The GS-11 grade determination requires one year of directly related experience equivalent to the GS-9 journey level.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and successful completion of a cytotechnology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, subject to the stated grandfathering provisions.
• Current Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification from the ASCP Board of Certification, subject to the stated grandfathering provisions; required certification must be maintained.
• For GS-11 grade determination, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 journey level, directly related to the position.
• Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other FNA procedures.
• Knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes for establishing and monitoring laboratory quality management and quality control, and initiating corrective action as needed.
• Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends, and reports, and implementing quality-improvement initiatives.
• Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment.
• Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy and operate an electron microscope; knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to identify ultrastructural and microchemical findings.
• Ability to convey safety regulations and guidelines, including CAP, JC, and OSHA requirements, and ensure staff compliance, including continuing education and employee orientation.
• Knowledge and skill to plan and administer an ongoing laboratory continuing-education program to meet accreditation standards.
• Skill in maintaining and troubleshooting computers and laboratory-system instrumentation.
• Complete the required background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, drug screening when selected for a testing-designated position, seasonal influenza vaccination requirements, onboarding, and application documentation.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
• Foreign education used to meet qualification requirements must be evaluated as described in the posting and documented with a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and carry out functions for the cytology area.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for cytology procedures and examinations.
• Evaluate requested procedures and determine specimen suitability; request a new specimen when the submitted specimen is unusable.
• Prepare reagents and primary reference material.
• Select, perform, evaluate, and monitor non-routine and specialized procedures, including smear preparation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining using manual and/or instrumental techniques.
• Recognize and define testing problems and evaluate methods for resolving them.
• Prioritize, process, and prepare specimens for cytological diagnostic procedures, including fine needle aspiration (FNA).
• Plan and carry out testing procedures and address problems and deviations according to established protocols, training, or accepted laboratory practices.
• Recognize conditions that may cause erroneous results; troubleshoot complex instruments and correlate results with patient data to verify findings.
• Analyze emerging trends and technology and adapt appropriate methods and testing.
• Apply laws, policies, precedents, and regulatory, licensing, and accrediting requirements to establish, monitor, and maintain specialized testing.
• For advanced-level duties, collect, compile, and analyze laboratory quality-management data and use it to implement quality-improvement initiatives.
• Research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment.

Benefits

• The posting states that federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package, with eligibility depending on position type.
• Selected applicants may request consideration of prior work or military service for annual-leave accrual credit; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior