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: 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
• 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.