Skip to main content
U.S. flag
 

Supervisory Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis)

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
St. Louis Veterans Health Administration

Summary

The Supervisory Medical Instrument (MIT) for Hemodialysis is a skilled technician who functions as a supervisor of Hemodialysis MITs and assumes responsibility for the operational function of the service. The supervisory MIT assumes full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the work of subordinate technicians.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$63,288 - $82,279 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
Yes
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBSS-13089632-27-KRJ
Control number
889692400

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens. Current VA employees should submit their most recent non-award SF-50 (01/11/2026 or later) to receive First or Second consideration. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

Videos

Duties

Help

Major Duties and responsibilities of the position:

  • Operates diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment as part of a dialysis treatment.
  • Performs routine cannulation on chronic dialysis patients with established grafts and fistulas assuring that patient pre-dialysis observations and safety checks have been done and recorded.
  • Initiates and monitors dialysis treatments assuring proper documentation of treatment process and terminates treatment as per unit policy. Assures that all treatment deviations are promptly reported to the charge nurse. Weighs patients and obtains vitalsigns, pre, during, and post dialysis.
  • Performs aseptic techniques with the dialysis procedure and follows principles of standard precautions and infection control (Hand washing, PPE).
  • Obtains blood samples via the extracorporeal pathway and other methods for laboratory tests.
  • Monitors, records, and follows physician's orders regarding type of artificial kidney, dialysate bath, treatment time, heparin dose, and dry weight goal.
  • Performs correct set-up, operations, cleaning and disinfection of all hemodialysis machines and accessories including acute reverse osmosis system based on manufacturer's guidelines and/or recommendations.
  • Consistently report and documents any malfunction or machine irregularity to the Biomedical Department.
  • When indicated, regular "Return to Service" checks perform, including disinfections, before any equipment is released into the patient care arena.
  • Removes from service any malfunctioning equipment and replaces it with a backup. Make sure all malfunctioned equipment that is pulled from service is tagged for repair.
  • Ensures annual maintenance for all dialysis machines are completed by the Biomedical Department.
  • Demonstrates an advanced knowledge of Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Standards of water treatment. Accurately performs water treatment maintenance and processes (i.e., main RO disinfection, portable Ro disinfection and cultures) regulations, standards, terminology, measurement technology, and quality assurance, guidelines for medical grade usage of water used in the hemodialysis setting. Ensures monthly dialysis machines and RO water culture test results are sent to Infection Prevention Department. Performs and interprets test results for dialysate chemistries and water treatment systems for both main and portable units.
  • Demonstrates the ability to analyze deviations from the expected norms and responds appropriately. Promptly reports all deviations to nurse manager, charge nurse/team, Supervisorial and biomedical engineering.


Work Schedule: Full Time. Rotating tours Days, Nights and Weekends.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Help

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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.
  • License or Certification. Certification by one of the following organizations is highly desirable at this level: Nephrology Certification Commission (NNCC), Board of Nephrology Examiners, Inc., Nursing and Technology (BONENT), National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), and the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC) in conjunction with the United States Certification Commission (USCC). Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level.
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: GS-9.

Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8), which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled. At the GS-8 level the hemodialysis technician serves as a member of a dialysis team performing dialysis on acutely ill patients including those within an intensive care setting. Assignments involve performing both peritoneal and hemodialysis procedures. The dialysis technician may participate in percutaneous renal biopsies, watching the patient during the procedure and properly processing the specimen. Assists the physician in peritoneal catheter insertions and observes the patient for vital signs and provides post operative care. Provides instruction and monitors patients for home dialysis. Performs training of physicians, nurses, and technicians on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis techniques.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
  • Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques such as those provided for acutely ill patients and peritoneal dialysis in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures.
  • Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
  • Ability to manage and supervise employees.
  • Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training.
Certification. Certification by one of the following organizations is highly desirable at this level: Nephrology Certification Commission (NNCC), Board of Nephrology Examiners, Inc., Nursing and Technology (BONENT), National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), and the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC) in conjunction with the United States Certification Commission (USCC). Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level.

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.
  • Supervisory Hemodialysis Technician. Individuals in this assignment assume full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the work of subordinate technicians. Typically these duties include assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff; providing dialysis technician services in more complex cases; reviewing and making recommendations regarding new and emerging procedures; providing instruction and training to new staff; interviewing candidates for positions; recommending selections, advancements, promotions; evaluating performance; taking disciplinary action when necessary; and identifying educational or training needs.

Preferred Experience: 1 year dialysis experience, preferred. Previous MIT supervisory experience, preferred. Dialysis Technician Certification, preferred.

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-9.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

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

Receiving Service Credit for 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.

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. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

Agency contact information

Tonya Thomas
Phone
(314) 357-1623
Email
Tonya.Thomas@va.gov
Address
VA St Louis Health Care System
1 Jefferson Barracks Drive
St. Louis, MO 63125
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Veterans Health Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://vacareers.va.gov/

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.