About this role

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. To qualify for appointment as a Cytotechnologist, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States (U.S.). (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part.) 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. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S.

programs. 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. English Language Proficiency. Cytotechnologists must be proficient in spoken and written English.

See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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) Cytotechnologist (Laboratory Information Manager), GS-12 Grade Determinations: Experience. At this level, the candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level that is directly related to the position to be filled.

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 laboratory information manager develops and recommends new policies and procedures regarding the installation of evolving tests or techniques, and the use of the laboratory information system (LIS).

The laboratory information manager ensures compatibility of the LIS with the overall hospital information system (HIS), and provides authoritative advice and consultation regarding the functions and capabilities of the LIS to all levels of the organization. The laboratory information manager implements and maintains coding and mapping for laboratory test ordering, reporting, billing and workload recording, while considering compliance principles.

The laboratory information manager analyzes emerging trends, software and technology, and adopts appropriate methods for local programs to meet agency goals. The laboratory information manager serves as the local expert representing the lab end users, by interacting with software developers to test and validate new and emerging software packages. The laboratory information manager is responsible for compliance with regulatory agency requirements, as related to information systems, and performs audits, as needed.

The laboratory information manager provides consultation and training of personnel on computer functions, including ordering options, and is responsible for the maintenance of computer security keys. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i. Knowledge and understanding of laboratory operations, and compliance and regulatory requirements to provide advice, training, and problem-solving services on specific projects, programs, or functions, in order to conduct inspections and audits, as needed.

ii. Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. iii. Skill in using the laboratory information system, program techniques, computer language, and program design sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system. iv. Ability to adapt, implement, and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tests, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center. The work involves sitting at a microscope or computer, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time.

Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations.

Source listing: usajobs