Clarification from the agency

All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Duties include but not limited to:

• Functions as the primary assistant responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all endoscopic and other procedures, such as but not limited to: argon plasma cautery and other cauterization procedures during endoscopy, colonoscopy,
  specimen collection, digestive tract biopsies, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) enteroscopy, esophageal banding, esophageal biopsy, esophageal dilation, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) , polypectomies, sigmoidoscopy, endoscopic mucosal resections (EMR),and endoscopic ultrasound. Able to place Engineering Work order requests or contact Biomed for equipment issues and notifying GI nurse manager and charge nurse as issues arise.
• Assists patients preparing to have a procedure performed, such as changing clothes, provide basic information regarding the procedure, attaching monitoring devices, oxygen, completing EKGs, starting and removing PIVs, performing phlebotomy, obtaining vital signs and so forth.
• Turns procedure rooms over in an appropriate time-based procedure done.
• Has an extensive knowledge of a wide variety of complex endoscopy procedures and possible complications. Is able to anticipate and prepare for the needs of the endoscopy team. Is able to report observations and immediate procedural needs to the endoscopist or R.N.
• Has an in-depth technical knowledge concerning instrumentation, human anatomy, human physiology, infection control and has technical knowledge on use and effects of anesthesia/sedation.
• The MIT will have knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position. The MIT will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. The MIT will be able to demonstrate their ability to utilize an acceptable proficiency in the use of RME appropriate to this position.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0730-1600
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): No
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): No
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
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)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
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: No
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 512-26103-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): No

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 identification 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. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

GS-07 Medical Instrument Technician (GI Technician), (Full Performance Level) - 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.
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs at the GS-07 Grade Level:

1. Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures.
3. Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures.
4. Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME).
5. . Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care.
6. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies.
7. Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration.

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. For all specialties identified the standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition

Preferred Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in the Gastroenterology (GI) department, particularly with advanced procedures.

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-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-07.

Physical Requirements: Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting, transferring and positioning patients, most of which are in varying stages of unconsciousness. Transferring of objects may be required. There are extensive periods of regular and recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching to provide easy accessibility of instruments and supplies for the endoscopist. The MIT must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The MIT must demonstrate dexterity in passing instruments to endoscopist without compromising principles of aseptic technique and in a manner requiring little or no effort from the endoscopist. Incumbent must be able to operate a personal computer, patient monitoring equipment, automated high level disinfection processor, related processing equipment, and procedural equipment.
Work is performed in an environment in a variety of settings which involves everyday risks or discomforts requiring normal safety precautions. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. Work is performed in an environment that requires proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) attire to be worn and adherence to the proper use of PPE attire. The MIT must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. These physical requirements will be consistent with VA Handbook 5019.
The Medical Instrument Technician has regular and recurring exposure to pure oxygen, blood/body fluids that may be infectious and require safety precautions. Follows and monitors OSHA goals for life safety management, health, and environment procedures. Reports safety hazards, accidents, and injuries. Follows, monitors, and reviews applicable MSDS policies, waste management and fire protection procedures. Follow Emergency Preparedness Plan. Follows and monitors security policies/procedures. Complies with Federal, state, and local environmental and other requirements preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and conserving cultural and natural resources.

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.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
1. All U.S. Citizens

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.