Duties

Major Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• The Cytotechnologist has primary responsibility for the prescreening and microscopic interpretation of all cytologic specimens including, but not limited to sputum, respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary tract washings and brushings, body fluids and cerebrospinal fluids, uterine, cervical, and vaginal smears, needle aspirations, tumors, and tissue imprints. In the case of negative gynecologic PAP samples, the incumbent is also responsible for case sign-out.
• The incumbent processes and prepares cytology specimens for cytodiagnosis, special stains and immunocytochemistry (ICC) procedures. He / she prepares, and fixes tissue smears and prepares cell blocks of submitted samples using a variety of laboratory processes and equipment such as centrifuges, cytocentrifuges, and filtration methods; prepares a variety of cytologic fixatives, processing, and staining solutions; employs staining processes including, but not limited to, Papanicolaou's stain; and labels slides in compliance with quality-control standards. Results of the work are used as a reference for patient screening, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic decisions, and monitoring.
• The Cytotechnologist is responsible for assisting in specialized, diagnostic techniques in cytopathology, such as fine needle aspiration biopsy which include ultrasound or interventional radiology biopsy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided biopsy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided biopsy, which is widely used for early detection and treatment of cancer and for the diagnosis of opportunistic infections in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Attends fine-needle-aspiration, EBUS, EUS, Interventional Radiology (IR) procedures independently, to ensure adequacy of specimen collection, and or assists an on-site pathologist in the same. Accessions specimens and determines adequacy and quality of each specimen prior to result reporting.
• The Cytotechnologist often works independently under the supervision of the anatomic pathology department supervisor, modifies existing procedures as appropriate, identifies parameters and determines acceptable range for each parameter and is given freedom of action under the general guidance of the supervisor or staff pathologists or when working collaboratively with another laboratory practitioner (Medical Technologist/s). Conveys information as necessary to those directly responsible for patient care, i.e., engineer's proper collection methods, transportation of specimens, and interpretation of reports. Recognizes technical limitations and various possibilities for procedural errors in cytology preparation.
• Examines and evaluates cell samples for the presence or absence of normal / abnormal cellular patterns, presence of microorganisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, premalignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents.
• Reviews clinical data of patients relating data to microscopic findings and makes a primary cytodiagnosis. Issues a preliminary report using standard cytopathologic / histopathologic terminology.
• Maintains and supports the Automated Data Processing (ADP) security program as outlined in V.A. facility and/or Service policy. Responsible for maintaining physical, software, data, and application security. Logs specimen acquisitions. Maintains appropriate records, statistical data, and cross-referenced indexes. Organizes and maintains slide and report files, including those for teaching purposes.
• Develops and maintains procedural manuals in a manner which fulfills the requirements of the VA Medical Center, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JC). This includes correlation with, and actual clinical and histologic dates and retrospective review of, previous specimens. Develops and implements new methods and procedures.
• Conducts studies and recommends changes to correct deficiencies and improve the specialty area to include providing recommendations and better means to engage in and meet laboratory cytology accreditation requirements, recommending new/replacement instrumentation, and designing work flow to as a methodology to document compliance. Analyzes emerging trends and technology specific to cytology as part of improved quality control procedures. Evaluates new quality control protocols to determine their suitability for local use.
• Orders supplies and equipment. Inventories and maintains a working stock of chemicals, reagents, stains, and other supplies necessary for the operational requirements.
• Provides support in the education and training of pathology residents, students, technicians, and volunteers in cytology department processes and procedures.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume

  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/16/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12405145.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  Rolane Jack

  Phone

  808-835-9634

  Email

  Rolane.Jack@va.gov

  Address

  Las Vegas VA Medical Center
  6900 North Pecos Road
  North Las Vegas, NV 89086
  US

  Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

All US Citizens