The Eastern Colorado Health Care System VA Hospital is located on the Fitzsimmons Campus in Aurora, Colorado and is currently recruiting for two GS 4/5/6/7/8 Medical Instrument Technician-Hemodialysis.
Summary
The Eastern Colorado Health Care System VA Hospital is located on the Fitzsimmons Campus in Aurora, Colorado and is currently recruiting for two GS 4/5/6/7/8 Medical Instrument Technician-Hemodialysis.
This is an EXTERNAL job announcement open to current, permanent OTHER federal employees and the public.
Current, permanent Veterans Health Administration MUST apply to the INTERNAL job announcement number CBSU-12555507-24-JMW.
Medical Instrument Technician, MIT-Hemodialysis duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Performs and monitors all aspects of hemodialysis treatments under the Supervision of the Dialysis RNs in the Chronic Dialysis Unit
Works in the Renal Section of Nursing Services & operates the dialysis machines, the Portables Reverse Osmosis, RO, machines, & main RO system used for dialysis treatments
Assembles equipment, prepares dialysis machine, cannulation access or appropriate use of central venous catheter, connects patient to machine, assesses patient during dialysis treatment & communicates status to RN, monitors & documents vital signs, administered designated dialysis medications approved for MIT administration per Unit Standard of Practice, terminates dialysis, (including rinse back of blood), extracts needles from access site, ensures needle site stops bleeding, documents care
Sets up, manages troubleshoots, calibrates, repairs, & operates highly technical equipment
Explains various procedures/possible symptoms during treatment-assesses basic deviations to determine if machine/patient related
Assists RN in responding to variety of routine/unusual/emergency dialysis complications: symptomatic hypotension, inadequate access flow, cramping, infiltrated access, clotted dialyzer &/machine alarm assessments
Performs inpatient treatment care: transporting, setting up, disinfecting, cleaning, equipment/performing rinsing procedures, record keeping, communicating machine repair needs to Leads
Investigates/evaluates new technology/treatment methods: presents findings/makes recommendations to multi-disciplinary team
Inventories supplies/re-stocks dialysis supplies in patient care area upon arrival, etc
Performs water performance testing for chorine/chloramines prior to patient shift-ensuring water treatment equipment is operating properly to make suitable water for hemodialysis procedures
Recognizes abnormal water sample results/responds accordingly
Participates educational activities, completes unit based in-services, & mandatory educational activities in a self-directed manner by deadlines
Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills & professional behavior that promote cooperation & teamwork
Practices good customer customer service and demonstrates VA I-CARE values
Participates in unit-based quality of care performance improvement activities, unit based performance improvement measures & results
Identifies problem areas by practicing evidence-based practices on unit
Perform other duties as assigned
Work Schedule:0400-1630 Mon-Sat compressed, rotating schedule including Saturdays & holidays. Compressed/Flexible:Available Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD04-55533-O, 05-55534-O, 06-55535-O, 07-55536-O, 08-55537-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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.
Qualifications
Applicants pending educational/certification/licensure completion requirements may be referred & tentatively selected but can't be hired until all requirements are met
Basic Requirements:
US Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when you can't recruit qualified citizens English Language Proficiency. Must be able to speak & write English Education. There aren't specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education can only be substituted for experience at the GS-4 & GS-5 level. See grade requirements for information regarding educational substitutions. 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).
Titles & Certifications/Registrations: All individuals assigned to this occupation MUST have an approved parenthetical title. For individuals at the GS-4 & GS-5 levels, the approved title is Medical Instrument Technician-Trainee.
Hemodialysis Technicians operate & monitor kidney dialysis instruments to provide dialysis treatment to patients w/ kidney failure or maintain patients w/ irreversible kidney disorders. Agencies that offer national certification are Nephrology Certification Commission, NNCC, Board of Nephrology Examiners, Inc., Nursing & Technology, BONENT, National Nephrology Certification.
Training. Completion of appropriate training i.e. in-service training programs, on the job training, training acquired while in the Armed Forces, government sponsored developmental training programs, &/or training under physicians certified in the functional area are allowed on a month-for month basis through the GS-5 level.
Grade Determinations. In addition to basic requirements for employment, criteria discussed in applicable headings, or defined in appendices, must be met when determining candidates' grades.
Education/Training. Creditable education must have been attained in an accredited Community College, College or University.
Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the US must have been submitted to private organizations that specialize interpreting foreign educational credentials & such education must be found at least equivalent to US conventional programs.
Basic Developmental Levels
GS-4
Experience. At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade demonstrating KSAs & characteristics related to position duties. 6 months of experience may have been in medically related fields: nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The other 6 months must have been operating diagnostic & therapeutic MIT equipment. Experience gained operating MIT equipment for animal diagnosis/treatment may be credited at this level. In addition, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs
OR
Education. Successful completion of 2 years of education above high school or associate's degree w/ major field study directly related to MIT occupation
Demonstrated KSAs
1) Basic medical terminology knowledge
2) Ability to learn components, operating characteristics & equipment settings
3) Ability to learn typical patient reactions to basic procedures involved & ability to recognize distress signs
4) Ability to learn standard positions for conducted procedures
5) Ability to communicate orally & in writing
GS-5
Experience. At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade which demonstrates KSAs, & characteristics related to position duties. This should be experience operating equipment related to the MIT specialization you applied for or in related functional areas. Experience gained in operating equipment for animal diagnosis/treatment may be credited through this grade level. In addition, candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
OR
Education. Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to bachelor's degree w/ courses related to occupation or bachelor's degree in major field of study appropriate to MIT functions
Demonstrated KSAs
1) Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions
2) Knowledge of common physical disabilities & ability to position patients for the examination or treatment
3) Ability to learn the normal & abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize & report obvious abnormalities
4) Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures
5) Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, & calibrate the machine
GS-6
Experience. At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade which demonstrates KSAs & characteristics related to position duties. In addition, candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
Demonstrated KSAs
1) Skill in setting up, operating & performing calibrations as required on variety of dialysis equipment
2) Skill in performing & interpreting test results, dialysate chemistries, water treatment testing for contaminates, etc. including ability to analyze deviations from expected norm & responding appropriately
3) Knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation, AMMI standards & unit policies as they relate to water treatment
4) Knowledge of physiological & psychological changes & conditions related to end stage renal disease
5) Ability to calculate dialysis baths according to physician's orders per patient by mixing critical concentrates, i.e., calcium, potassium & bicarbonate
6) Knowledge of Basic Cardiac Life Support, BCLS
GS-7
Experience. At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade level demonstrating KSAs & characteristics related to position duties. These experiences should have provided knowledge of equipment, standard procedures, & typical machine problems &/or patient reactions to treatment. In addition, candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
GS-7 KSAs
1) Ability to assist the physician in more complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion
2) Ability to assist in training patients in home/self-care by teaching components of machine operation including water treatment & monitoring patients for compliance
3) Ability to act as mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians
4) Ability to analyze deviations from the expected, determine whether deviations are machine or patient related & respond according to findings
GS-8
Experience. At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade level demonstrating KSAs & characteristics related to position duties. These experiences should have provided knowledge of complex procedures, pharmacology, & knowledge of related acute disorders & diseases & their effects on organs/treatment methods. In addition, candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
GS-8 KSAs
1) Knowledge of hemodialysis process & equipment needed for home/self-care including common machine problems knowledge & equipment repairs
2) Peritoneal dialysis equipment & procedures knowledge
3) Ability to assist physician w/ percutaneous renal biopsies & peritoneal catheter insertion
4) Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home re self-care & maintaining equipment
5) Ability to provide instruction to physicians, nurses & other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation & maintenance etc
Preferred Experience: Hemodialysis experience preferred including Reverse Osmosis, RO water monitoring & testing,
Preferred certifications as either Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician, CCHT or Bonent- Dialysis Patient care Technician.
This vacancy's full performance level is: GS-8. Actual grade an applicant may be selected is in the range of a GS-4 to a GS-8.
QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SECTION OF JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts must include your name, the school's entire name, can be unofficial transcripts, must have the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, (if applicable), (name of degree received, (if applicable).
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
PHYISCAL REQUIREMENTS FROM QUALIFICATIONS SECTION CONTINUED:
Visual acuity, including color blindness screening, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech & manual dexterity
Must be able to carry/push bulky equipment/supplies usually that don't exceed 50 lbs
Assist in handling patients w/ various disabilities/impairments-which may involve lifting, positioning, restraining or assisting them w/ tasks
Regular/recurring walking, standing, crouching, kneeling
Must be mature, flexible, sensible individual able to handle stressful situations & multiple shifting priorities
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.
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.
Please be clear and specific in describing your experience, or any information in your resume or any attachments you provide. We will not make assumptions regarding any information provided regarding your experience on your resume or any information contained in your application materials. 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:
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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
Copy of current certification as Bonent- Dialysis Patient care Technician, (Desired but not required card be uploaded with application materials)
Copy of current certification as Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician, CCHT, (Desired but not required card be uploaded with application materials)
Copy of current Advanced or Basic Life Support card, ALS or BLS, (Desired but not required card be uploaded with application materials)
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 PMEastern Standard Time on 09/30/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12555508.
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.
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
1700 N Wheeling St
Aurora, CO 80045
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:
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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
Copy of current certification as Bonent- Dialysis Patient care Technician, (Desired but not required card be uploaded with application materials)
Copy of current certification as Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician, CCHT, (Desired but not required card be uploaded with application materials)
Copy of current Advanced or Basic Life Support card, ALS or BLS, (Desired but not required card be uploaded with application materials)
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 PMEastern Standard Time on 09/30/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12555508.
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.
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
1700 N Wheeling St
Aurora, CO 80045
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.
