Job Summary

The Medical Instrument Technician is a member of the Gastrointestinal/Pulmonary lab and provides assistance to the endoscopist and other team members during endoscopy and other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The purpose of the work is to perform technical support in invasive endoscopic procedures, monitor and assess patients pre, intra and postoperatively. The Medical Instrument Technician participates with the GI Lab team members in planning and implementing complex procedures.

Job Description

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.