Job Information
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Lead Medical Instrument Technician in Orlando, Florida
Summary VA Medical Center in Orlando, FL is seeking a Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology), Patient Care Services. The technician assists practitioner in endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The technicians ensure proper performance of equipment, set up equipment, and reprocess endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME). Responsibilities Gastroenterology (GI) Technicians assist the practitioner in endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound. The technicians ensure proper performance of equipment, set up equipment, and reprocess endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME). The technician is responsible for performing a variety of highly technical procedural functions in addition to providing population-specific care to veterans. They receive guidance from the GI clinic Nurse Manager and/or GI clinic charge nurse for both supervised and unsupervised daily activities/duties. The MIT (GI) utilizes specialized equipment and supplies with principles of conservation and cost efficiency. Provides direct care to patients in the endoscopy suite and the ICU, OR, and ER, as necessary. Observes for changes in patient condition and immediately reports to RN or MD. Documents care and observations on appropriate tools, forms, or electronic databases. Maintains and pre-cleans endoscopic equipment at point of care according to both manufacturer specific instructions and departmental Standard Operating Procedures. Assists the gastroenterologist with all invasive procedures. He/she serves in all types of endoscopic procedures requiring complete knowledge of associated procedures, equipment and instrumentation. The MIT (GI) is responsible for ensuring policy is followed in all instances and is also responsible for providing training and in-services to new and less experienced staff. Sets up supplies and equipment necessary for the endoscopy procedure; operates and monitors scope-related medical equipment (video processor unit and pulse oximeter); performs pre-procedure endoscope checks ensuring proper functioning; and demonstrates competency for accessory equipment such as, but not limited to, APC, ERBE, cold/hot biopsy forceps, leakage tester, and/or any other affiliated endoscopy equipment. Protects from unauthorized release or loss any sensitive patient-relative information which is entrusted to them. This also includes proper disposal of patient-identifiable materials as per facility policy Preferred Experience: GI Lab experience with above average clinical and health assessment skills preferred. Important individual characteristics: creativity, flexibility, ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be self-directed, Demonstrated strong leadership skills required, excellent skills in interpersonal relations with the health care team and the general public required, excellent electronic documentation skills required, critical thinking skills required.BLS certification by the AHA or ARC required. Work Schedule: 0730-1600; mandatory call Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 81702F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized 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) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of VA Handbook 5005 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and is directly related to the position/specialty to be filled. 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: Lead Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology) - GS-8 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 advanced specialized gastroenterology procedures. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: KSAs 1, 2, 3, and 4 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSA 5 is to be used as appropriate for the specific assignment. Knowledge of complex gastroenterology procedures, such as ERCP with spy glass, ablation procedures, mucosal resection procedures, fine needle aspiration procedures and capsule studies. Ability to provide briefings and orientations to hospital staff including physicians. 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 (HIPAA). 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. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have SGNA core level one and two certifications (BLS and ACLS). Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Preferred experience: At least 1 year in the GI setting. References: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part 11, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician, GS-649 (GI) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-04 to GS-07. Education OCHCO Bulletin Subject: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated October 3, 2023. This authority permits the Secretary to recruit and appoint qualified individuals to occupations reported as having the largest staffing shortages, notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. §§ 3304 and 3309 through 3318 (i.e., competitive service and Veterans' preference). While this authority supports VHA in addressing staffing shortages and the need to be flexible in hiring top talent to support urgent mission needs, the VA highly encourages the hiring of Veterans. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work requires, occasional heavy lifting, (45 pound and over), occasional heavy carrying (45 pounds and over), moderate straight pulling, frequent patient positioning on exam table, moderate walking, occasional climbing, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing aid (permitted), emotional stability, ability to hear whispered voice, the use of fingers, reaching above shoulder, prolonged standing (6-8 hrs.), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information References: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part 11, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician, GS-649 (GI) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-04 to GS-07. OCHCO Bulletin Subject: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated October 3, 2023. This authority permits the Secretary to recruit and appoint qualified individuals to occupations reported as having the largest staffing shortages, notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. §§ 3304 and 3309 through 3318 (i.e., competitive service and Veterans' preference). While this authority supports VHA in addressing staffing shortages and the need to be flexible in hiring top talent to support urgent mission needs, the VA highly encourages the hiring of Veterans. 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.