Summary

Gastroenterology (GI) Technicians assist the practitioner in endoscopic procedures - such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD ) - colonoscopy - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) - and endoscopic ultrasound.

Qualifications

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 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 in this standard - Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable
• 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-04: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
• Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant - practical nursing - or similar fields
• The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation
• Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: OR - Education
• Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities 1
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
• 2
• Ability to learn the components - operating characteristics - and settings of the equipment to be used
• 3
• Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress
• 4
• Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted
• 5
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• 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
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities 1
• Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions
• 2
• Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment
• 3
• Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities
• 4
• Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or 8 procedures
• 5
• Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble - clean - reassemble - and calibrate the machine
• 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 candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities 1
• Ability to set up endoscopy equipment - ensuring endoscopes and ancillary equipment functions properly
• 2
• Ability to aid the physician with standard and routine procedures such as colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• 3
• Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to assist practitioner with routine standardized gastroenterology procedures
• 4
• 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
• 5
• Ability to reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME) - following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions
• 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 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 Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• 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 candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities 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
• Certification
• No certification is required
• however - it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification
• Preferred Experience: 1
• Knowledge of medical instruments - human anatomy and physiology
• 2
• Handling medical instruments - supplies and equipment during medical procedures
• 3
• Performing proper cleaning techniques - as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies
• 4
• Handling contaminated items - quality control - and personal hygiene - using knowledge of universal precautions and implementing infection control policies and 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 in the range of GS-04 to GS-07.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties included but are not limited to: Maintain maintenance of endoscopes and endoscopic accessories - including pre- cleaning of endoscopes and endoscopic related equipment
• Maintain maintenance of all endoscopy related equipment (light and power sources - etc.) - and all accessories
• Collaborates - communicate and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care
• Able to independently complete work orders if something needs to be repaired
• Use basic computer systems and programs to record/research data adhering to patient privacy and information security policies
• Replenishes supplies in rooms as required - also independently contact appropriate department if supplies on the unit are running low
• Assist the endoscopist and nurse during procedures by preparing the procedure rooms - calling patients for procedures - showing patients to the dressing rooms - and assisting patients with undressing and putting on gowns when needed
• Assists during the procedure by assisting with obtaining diagnostic specimens by having the appropriate equipment and specimen containers available
• Assists the endoscopist during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with catheters - wires and other accessories - including forceps - diathermy and cautery equipment
• Cleans and set up of procedure rooms
• Escort patients to GI procedures from various locations throughout hospital wards and will assist with post procedure transport of patients to recovery area
• Performs miscellaneous errand answering telephones - transport of specimens to the laboratory and answering telephones
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 07:30am to 4:00pm (subject to change based on the needs of the facility) Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:00754-F -00755-F -00756-F -00757-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized