Duties include but are not limited to:

1. Proper setup for all routine endoscopic procedures.
2. Communicates with physicians and nurses in Plan of Care for veterans and is responsible for the proper set up of the surgical suite based upon procedure specific needs of the physician.
3. Maintains a high level of concentration for extended periods of time and anticipates the needs of the physician during the Endoscopic procedures.
4. Utilizes universal precautions before during and after all Endoscopic procedures.
5. Assist in proper specimen collection, Individual supply room inventory and supply checks and proper surgical equipment evaluation before endoscopic procedures begin.
6. Prepares the veteran for procedures i.e. oxygen setup, pulse oximetry blood pressure and EKG setup and directly participated in Universal Time Out Procedures (Right Patient, Right Procedure).
7. Knowledgeable of medical terminology related to both Upper and Lower gastrointestinal systems.
8. Fully understands the Biliary system and is able to identify pathology correctly for specimen submission.
9. Knowledge of advanced gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology for the purpose of abnormality detection during endoscopic procedures.
10. Knowledge of electrocautery APV Gas therapy for post rectal cancer therapy treatment.
11. Must master Polypectomy techniques for Endo-Mucosal resection.
12. Helps in training Fellow physicians and lower level staff in all facets of a GS-7 level responsibilities and procedures.
13. Functions as a Secondary Circulator during the ERCP and EUS specialty procedures.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 0800-1630
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).

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:
Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee), GS-05: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 position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level.
OR

Education. Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions.

In addition, the demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.
• Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.
• Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.
• Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.
• Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.

Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology), GS-06: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 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 BLS certification.

Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology), GS-07: 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 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.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.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-4 to GS-7 .
Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items.

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, resume, 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.