Histopathology Technician

Summary

This Histopathology Technician position is in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the VA Maine Healthcare System located at the Togus, ME campus location. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week.

Duties

The Histopathology Technologist processes anatomic pathology specimens. This work is vital for pathologists to interpret laboratory results and provide diagnoses and prognoses that allow for planning appropriate and life-saving treatments. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Receives specimens using appropriate techniques, maintaining proper identification. Evaluates received specimens for correct specimen identification/ site source, etc. Brings errors to the attention of the Lead histotechnologist and/or pathologist for evaluation and resolution.
• Accessions of all types of surgical pathology and cytology specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Prepares specimen cassettes, always maintaining proper identification.
• Prepares and maintains the grossing station for the pathologist, maintaining proper techniques.
• When appropriate, assists pathologist as directed in the grossing procedure (cassette labeling/ worksheet recording/ slide labeling).
• Maintains and performs QC as necessary on the grossing station, tissue processors, stainers, balances, powered air-purifying respirators, and cover slipping equipment, including solution changes as appropriate, under the direction of the Lead Histotechnologist.
• Coverslips and labels glass slides manually as needed.
• When appropriate packages specimens/ glass slides/ paraffin blocks for send out under the direction of the Lead Histotechnologist.
• Records temperatures as required.
• Files paraffin blocks and glass slides.
• Disposes of old glass slides and paraffin blocks, under the direction of the Lead Histotechnologist.
• Disposes of hazardous, non-hazardous waste, and expired specimens in accordance with facility and OSHA guidelines.
• In the absence of the administrative assistant, sends out anatomic pathology specimens for consultation.
• Candidate will be trained to gross in as well as dictate gross description on specific types of specimens, in addition to appropriate logging and tracking of specimens. (e.g. GI biopsies, certain small skins, Vas deferans and other specimen types under Pathologist supervision.
• Assisting in frozen sections as needed.
• Candidate should be trained to do simple cytochemical stains. (e.g. PAS, Hemo3 and Iron).
• Perform HistoTechnologist duties as needed.
  

Work Schedule: Full Time - Monday-Friday 6am-2:30pm
Compressed/Flexible:Not authorized
Telework: Not authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: F05686
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact the EDRP Coordinator Hannah Nielson at Hannah.Nielson@va.gov for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Notifications:

• This position is in the Excepted Service.
• This position is in an AFGE Bargaining Unit.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
• Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.

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