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This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. Licensure or Certification: 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. For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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: GS-6: 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. *In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to set up endoscopy equipment, ensuring endoscopes and ancillary equipment functions properly. Ability to aid the physician with standard and routine procedures such as colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to assist practitioner with routine standardized gastroenterology procedures. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure, recognizing disabilities or impaired mobility and assisting the patient as necessary. Ability to reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies. Ability to manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of one-time-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, suction equipment, and cleaning products. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Assignment: Technicians at this level aid the staff with procedures which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain the procedure to the patient to secure the patient's confidence and cooperation; position patients for procedures; and restock linen and consumable supplies. They set-up, clean, and ensure proper performance of the endoscopic equipment; and prepare the procedure rooms for turn-over, adhering to universal precautions and SOPs. The technician logs procedure and reprocessing data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policy. Assignments at this level require knowledge of basic medical terminology as well as common gastrointestinal anatomy. GS-7: 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: Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures. Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures. Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME). Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies. Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification. Assignment: This represents the full performance level. Technicians at this level function with minimal instruction, assisting the staff with complex specialized procedures such as ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). They are proficient with GI endoscopic equipment and ensure proper performance of endoscopic equipment; select alternate equipment or adjust equipment settings to accommodate patient needs and produce high quality technique. They collect, process, and label all specimens; train other technicians in basic endoscopic procedures; work in and outside the GI unit offering technician support during emergent and on-call endoscopic cases; and assist the nurse in patient care duties such as obtaining vital signs, dressing and documenting all pertinent information in the patient's records. They inventory and maintain par levels of specialty equipment for the endoscopy unit. References: VA handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G27, June 7, 2012 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-7. Physical Requirements: This work requires moderate lifting (15-44lbs), straight pulling (6 hours), pushing (2 hours), use of fingers, walking (6 hours), standing (4 hours), repeated bending (6 hours), both eyes required, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), mental and emotional stability, and visual acuity 20/30 corrected. The position requires working with hands in water and working closely with others. ["The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) (GI) is the primary person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during GI procedures such as: anoscopy, argon plasma cautery, colonoscopy, cytology, digestive tract biopsies, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), enteroscopy, esophageal biopsy, esophageal dilation, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), liver biopsy, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), pH/Manometry Studies, polypectomies, and sigmoidoscopy. Duties will vary based on grade. At the GS-7 level, duties will include, but are not limited to: Prepares procedural rooms for the performance of GI procedures. Sets up GI procedure rooms with all required items for each procedure such as video equipment, endoscopes, endoscope flushing system, image management systems ERCP equipment, Fluoroscopy/x-ray, EUS equipment, computers and monitors, cautery units,, and reprocessing equipment. Prepares and processes Semi Critical and Non Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) in accordance with appropriate Standard Operating Procedures. Plans and discusses each procedure with the GI team professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the GI procedures. Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex GI endoscopes. Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the GI procedures and anticipates the needs of the physician and/or registered nurse by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time. Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment, as well as follows all RME reprocessing protocol for high level of disinfection. Assists the GI Team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies. Applies various monitoring equipment, i.e., BP/P/O2Sat/ECG, etc., when assisting with patient procedure preparation. Performs CBG tests. Transports sedated/non-sedated patients to/from Admit/Recovery via gurney/WC safely. Handles all GI specimens appropriately. Responsible for the accountability for all GI instruments and equipment during the procedure. Assists the physician, and/or registered nurse with instrumentation necessary to perform the required procedure and treatment such as obtaining biopsies, brushings, performing polypectomies, inflation of balloon dilators, and injection of contrast solutions during GI procedures. Prepares diagnostic biopsy specimens, assessing the adequacy of each, and placing in appropriate specimen bottle with appropriate labeling to meet pathology laboratory specifications during procedures. Assists in training medical and surgical residents, medical students, nursing students, GI Fellows, and new GI Team staff in the operation of equipment, proper techniques, handling of instruments, and GI procedures to include the assistant role for invasive procedures. Works closely with SPS, Bio-Med, hospital inpatient wards, operating room, pharmacy, and clerical staff to accomplish the goals of the GI Endoscopy Unit. Schedules GI endoscopy procedures with patients using the CORI scheduling system. Notifies outpatients of their upcoming GI procedure and instructs them on the correct preparation for their procedure. Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions. Maintains GI Endoscopy area. Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. Identifies equipment needing preventive maintenance or repair and takes appropriate action. Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (i.e., frayed cords, water on floor, etc.), and takes corrective action. Provides guidance, education, and support to GI staff, patients, and other MITs. Supervises volunteers, Incentive Therapy participants, aides, non-clinical team members, students, and other personnel. Provides guidance and support to professionals, and technical students of an approved GI technology program. Assists GI Team members in quality improvement activities. Updates personal knowledge regarding current trends in GI procedural technology through continuing education courses. Maintains competencies as required. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Contact VISN 20 EDRP Coordinator Stacy Hermann at V20CompensationTeam@va.gov for assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]