Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

The VA Central California Health Care System is recruiting for a Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) Echocardiography (EKG), in the Medicine Service, Cardiology Section.

Overview

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates
Opening and closing dates 06/06/2022 to 09/30/2022
Salary
$40,262 - $58,158 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 6 - 7
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
- Fresno, CA
  
  Fresno, CA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
7
Job family (Series)
0649 Medical Instrument Technician
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness
Announcement number
CBSW-11523538-22-JD-BU-OCA
Control number
658596600

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

Duties:

The incumbent will be an integral member of the Cardiology Section in be assigned to the Department of Medicine Service. This position is located within the VA Central California Health Care System, Fresno VACCHCS. The MIT (EKG) at this level is responsible for performance of all tests within the scope of certification including electrocardiographs, exercise tolerance testing, Holter monitoring and skilled continuous comprehensive evaluation and documentation of the patients undergoing stress testing. Cardiac monitoring system for telemetry and ICU patients.

Major duties, include but are not limited to the following:

The technician will be a valuable member of the outpatient cardiology department at VA Fresno. The incumbent will work with all cardiology staff to efficiently process cardiology work flow when it comes to administering Holter/event monitors, performing EKGs, monitor's or other testing within scope of technicians practice. Thorough knowledge of procedures and policies regarding all areas of responsibilities including but not limited to completing EKG's, Holter monitoring, treadmill testing and other studies within their competencies is necessary. The technician will use the application of these processes to complete all required duties and during course of duty assess priorities to best meet veteran's health care needs.
The technician will be responsible for routine EKGs on outpatient clinics as well as for walk-in EKG requests throughout the day. The incumbent will also be responsible for EKGs for area outside of cardiology, when directed by the Chief of Cardiology such as STAT EKGs in the cath lab holding area or pre-op/post-op.
The technician is knowledgeable and independently functions in the use of the monitoring equipment as well as the Communication Software System within V ACCHCS in collaboration with the unit RN or cardiology provider. Information is relayed quickly via in house wireless network, telephones and verbally for notification of emergent alarms and potentially emergent situations.
The technician will monitor patients during stress testing and report rhythm changes and arrhythmias to the cardiology assigned RN or cardiology provider per policy. caring for the patient as outlined in the Telemetry Policy. This requires experience in operating and supervising the operation of specialized monitoring equipment related to the responsibilities of the position, which includes calling a Code Blue if necessary.
Reviews previous shift's rhythm strips for shift history and reviews patient information on CPRS. Upon admission, reviews telemetry orders and parameters in order to prevent any delay in placing a patient on ordered telemetry and to ensure accuracy of ordered parameters for monitoring. The technician completes shift to shift report between technicians regarding patient's status for monitoring and brief history of shift events related to telemetry monitoring and vital sign and updates RN's, charge nurses, nursing supervisors and MD's upon request.
The purpose of the work is to provide completion of all required cardiac monitoring and testing as ordered. The work contributes to a base of standard nursing or physician care upon which further care may be planned and/or provided by cardiology or nursing staff.
Additional duties as directed by the Cardiology Head Nurse or the Chief of Cardiology.

Work Schedule: Full Time. 8:00am-4:30pm.
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:EKG Technician (Outpatient)/PD000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements 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.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
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).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel.

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.
Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services. This position requires to undergo a pre-employment medical examination/physical, TB test, and other medical related requirements.
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.

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-6:a) 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 positions to be filled.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities1. Ability to recognize special patient needs such as disabilities, impaired mobility, and complicating medical conditions in order to prepare and position the patient for the prescribed procedure.2. Knowledge of the specialized equipment and accessories appropriate to Holter monitoring and ability to perform such tests.3. Knowledge of universal precautions and sterilization techniques and ability to follow CDC guidelines in cleaning equipment.4. Ability to monitor the patient for adverse reactions and take appropriate action.5. Ability to operate the equipment to perform standard and routine highly specialized procedures including exercise stress testing.

**NOTE: MUST REFLECT IN RESUME AND EXPERIENCE IS ONLY CREDIBLE IF DIRECTLY RELATED TO POSITION/SPECIALTY.

GS-7: (a) 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 positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of the equipment, standard tests and procedures, and typical readings including arrhythmias and abnormalities.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias.2. Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures.3. Ability to modify procedures/positions to obtain the correct results with patients with complicating conditions such as amputations, Parkinson's disease, structural defects, and scar tissue.4. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians.5. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentation.

**NOTE: MUST REFLECT IN RESUME AND EXPERIENCE IS ONLY CREDIBLE IF DIRECTLY RELATED TO POSITION/SPECIALTY.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54PART II APPENDIX G27

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-06 to GS-07.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services. This position requires to undergo a pre-employment medical examination/physical, TB test, and other medical related requirements.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.

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.

As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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, résumé, 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.

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.

Benefits

Review our benefits

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
License
OF-306
10-2850c
PCS Orders
Professional Certification
Proof of Enrollment
Proof of Marriage Status
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
Transcript

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2022 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11523538.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information Julia Dietz Julia Dietz

Phone

559-260-9624

Julia.Dietz2@va.gov

Address

Fresno VA Medical Center
2615 East Clinton Avenue
Fresno, CA 93703
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the U SAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.