Med Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology)

Summary This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 29, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be May 25, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Learn more about this agency Duties Duties include but not limited to: Knowledge in all advanced specialized gastroenterology procedures. Assists the Practitioner in endoscopic procedures in the Gastroenterology Lab of Medical Specialty Nursing Service. Provide technical support to the Gastroenterology physicians during invasive endoscopic procedures. Function independently for all procedures, maintaining equipment and supplies needed to service these specialties. Responsible for keeping current on all area SOPs and providing annual education on SOPs. Prepares procedural rooms for the performance of endoscopic procedures. Assists in obtaining biopsies, brushing, polypectomy, inflation of balloon dilators, and handling of intraprocedural equipment for safely and optimum outcomes. Responsible for performing point of service-cleaning of scopes and equipment prior to transport to sterile processing service for high level disinfection. Apply various monitoring equipment i.e., BP, Pulse Ox, ECG, etc., when assisting with patients in the preop area. Transport sedate/non sedated patients to/from preop-intra-op and recovery via stretcher/wheelchair. Maintenance of all endoscopes and endoscopic accessories including proper cleaning and disinfection of endoscopes. Maintenance of disinfection logs, including culture verification and quality assurance guidelines. Maintenance of all endoscopy related equipment (light and power sources, etc.), and all accessories. Stocking supplies for maintenance of par levels, for the unit and procedure rooms Ability to maintain adequate inventory of supplies in endoscopy rooms. Places orders and follows through on obtaining any deficient supplies/equipment. Checks all supplies for expiration date. Assist the GI Team members with care of patient i.e., positioning in the procedure room Educates patients in the procedure to be performed and takes part in the post-procedure care of the patient. Assisting physicians with all endoscopy procedures to include but not limited the use of cautery. Collecting, processing, and labeling all specimens. Using basic computer systems and programs to record/research data adhering to patient privacy and information security policies. Adhere to Infection Control practices regarding the handling of reusable medical equipment and supplies. Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to troubleshoot and address the various procedural and clinical situations in which a trainee might experience. Knowledge of complex gastroenterology procedures, such as ERCP with spy glass, ablation procedures, mucosal resection procedures, fine needle aspiration procedures and capsule studies. Knowledge of regulatory and advisory agencies such as Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA), American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and applicable laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). Knowledge of medical terminology related to GI and biliary systems used to identify pathology or for specimen identification and procedure documentation and knowledge of advanced anatomy and physiology to recognize obvious abnormalities during procedures. Ability to provide staff development and training Performs other duties as assigned by management. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0730-1800pm (Subject to change based on Agency needs). Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement # 53453F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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) Qualifications 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. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria, grade requirement must be met. GS-7 GI Technician (Full Performance Level)(a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of proper performance of endoscopic equipment and procedures. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities1. Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures.2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures.3. Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures.4. Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME).5. Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care.6. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies.7. Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration. (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification. Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of Gastroenterology (GI) Technician experience. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, dated June 7, 2012.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. 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.