This job opportunity announcement (JOA) will be used to fill two (2) Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) vacancy in the Specialty Service located within the Montana VA Health Care System at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center in Fort Harrison, MT.
**This position has been authorized a Recruitment or Relocation Incentive for Highly Qualified Candidates**
***This announcement has been extended to 9/29/2023***
Summary
This job opportunity announcement (JOA) will be used to fill two (2) Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) vacancy in the Specialty Service located within the Montana VA Health Care System at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center in Fort Harrison, MT.
**This position has been authorized a Recruitment or Relocation Incentive for Highly Qualified Candidates**
***This announcement has been extended to 9/29/2023***
Responsible for reviewing patient history as it relates to sleep disorders and other medical conditions which may affect the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
He/she is responsible for explaining the various procedures to the patient.
Independently performs the following tests or procedures as assigned: diagnostic PSG, titration PSG, Split-night PSG, MSLT, MWT, HST, Oximetry, and actigraphy.
Independently performs sleep monitoring on individuals with possible sleep apnea or other breathing related sleep disorders and/or arterial desaturations secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other medical conditions.
Independently performs sleep monitoring on individuals with other potential sleep disorders including, but not limited to, narcolepsy and periodic limb movement disorder.
Independently applies continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) and other advanced modalities to appropriate levels per established protocols.
Applies oxygen therapy as needed per established protocols.
Responsible for the safe and proper operation of all equipment used in the Sleep Center.
Verifies correct instrument calibration and operation using established procedures. Identifies the cause of common problems and notifies engineering service when appropriate.
Obtains technical or factory assistance in order to fully utilize the equipment to its full potential.
Accurately scores sleep studies, MSLTs, MWTs, HSTs, and prepares reports when assigned.
Assists with CPAP clinic for equipment initiation and instruction, follow-up, and compliance monitoring when assigned.
Utilizes sleep software
Provides patient education during the performance of sleep studies, when assisting with CPAP clinic, and may assist with sleep education classes.
Assists with covering the office/telephones in the absence of the MSA and secretary when assigned.
Is skilled in utilizing computer databases and word processing in the preparation of reports utilizing Microsoft Word and Excel when assigned.
Keeps inventory of supplies and initiates purchase requests in a timely fashion to avoid disruption of scheduled studies when assigned.
Interacts with staff physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders and may provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians.
Assists with maintaining department spread sheets for department performance measures.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. The incumbent will normally work a compressed work schedule up to 12 hours per shift, however, may be adjusted to work alternate shifts for coverage. This position is being filled for the night shift, however, may vary to cover absences in other shifts. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by 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. 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. No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.
Preferred Experience:
Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) Preferred
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification is desirable
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification is desirable
Grade Determinations: GS-6. Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of standard, computerized polysomnography for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG and respiratory parameters.
Knowledge of standard devices such as oximeters, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and laboratory computers including the ability to calibrate and operate the equipment and recognize and eliminate recording artifacts.
Knowledge of medical terminology and medical record organization to review medical records, sleep study orders, consent forms, medical charts, etc.
Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology and the international 10-20 electrode placement system in order to conduct the sleep studies.
GS-7 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized polysomnography examinations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of CPAP function and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices.
Ability to independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals
Knowledge of indications, complications, and contraindications of CPAP therapy.
Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations.
Ability to recognize changes seen during the PSG tracing and identify all stages of sleep. This includes the ability to score and analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnography recordings.
GS-8 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided a knowledge of the more complex procedures as well as knowledge of the uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Advanced knowledge or the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders.
Ability to summarize and report polysomnographic data in narrative form.
Knowledge of event characteristics (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, sleep stage, seizures, etc.) and ability to take appropriate action.
Ability to provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians.
References: VA Handbook 5005-15, Part II, Appendix G27
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8.
Physical Requirements: Able to meet the physical demands for the position, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must have a good manual dexterity. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken or written word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens.
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
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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
CV or Resume: Resume must include how to contact you, descriptions of jobs held including the name and address of the employer, job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date, (month and year) of employment, and average hours worked per week. (Required).
SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action: must submit your latest SF-50 showing your current grade, step and salary. (NOTE: Award SF-50 are normally not acceptable due to the grade step and salary missing.) (Required).
Copy of Certification/License must submit a legible current copy of your license. or certification (Required if you posses one).
Transcripts: if you have education related to this announcement, please submit them. Can be Official or unofficial must show the schools name, your name, date degree was conferred and Degree Conferred. (Requested)
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
License
OF-306
10-2850C
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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 09/29/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11705990.
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.
Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
3687 Veterans Drive
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
CV or Resume: Resume must include how to contact you, descriptions of jobs held including the name and address of the employer, job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date, (month and year) of employment, and average hours worked per week. (Required).
SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action: must submit your latest SF-50 showing your current grade, step and salary. (NOTE: Award SF-50 are normally not acceptable due to the grade step and salary missing.) (Required).
Copy of Certification/License must submit a legible current copy of your license. or certification (Required if you posses one).
Transcripts: if you have education related to this announcement, please submit them. Can be Official or unofficial must show the schools name, your name, date degree was conferred and Degree Conferred. (Requested)
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
License
OF-306
10-2850C
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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 09/29/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11705990.
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.
Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
3687 Veterans Drive
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
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.
