Lead Medical Instrument Technician - Hemodialysis

Clarification from the agency

Current permanent employees from the Tampa VAMC

Duties include but not limited to:

The GS-9 Lead Hemodialysis Medical Instrument Technician (LHD-MIT) is assigned to the Dialysis Unit, organizationally responsible to Nursing/ Medicine Specialty, at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. The LHD-MIT is a member of the renal/dialysis multidisciplinary team & assists with the care delivery of patients in acute, sub-acute or chronic states of illness.

• The LHD-MIT serves as the technical authority for the Dialysis Unit, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all dialysis-related systems and equipment.
• The incumbent provides leadership, oversight, and advanced technical expertise to maintain optimal patient care standards in alignment with regulatory requirements.
• The LHD-MIT has the technical responsibility for the dialysis procedural area, centralized HD water treatment and delivery room, associated inventory and supply rooms, biomedical/technical repair rooms, and dialysis-specific equipment and portable reverse osmosis machinery used in dialysis unit and critical care areas (Intensive Care Unit/Progressive Care Unit) for off-station treatments.
• The Lead HD-MIT plans and directs the technical work of lower grade HD-Mils.
• The Dialysis Technician executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to managing complex systems. Other duties may be assigned.
• Provides a full range of Dialysis treatment procedures, has a broad knowledge of the dialysis procedural area, centralized HD water treatment and delivery room.
• The Lead Technician provides leadership, oversight, and advanced technical expertise to maintain optimal patient care standards in alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Directs and coordinates the technical work of lower-grade Medical Instrument Technicians (Mils), providing mentorship, competency validation, and performance feedback.
• Serves as preceptor and coordinator for onboarding new technical and nursing staff, providing instruction on dialysis machine operation, equipment functionality, and troubleshooting. Offers constructive feedback, ensures completion of orientation documentation, and communicates progress and areas for improvement to the management team.
• Develops, revises, and enforces Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for water treatment and dialysis equipment in compliance with AAMI, Joint Commission, FDA, OSHA, and VHA standards.
• Provides technical expertise in the calibration, operation, and troubleshooting of specialized medical equipment, collaborating with Mils and biomedical support staff to maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and regulatory standards.
• Demonstrates advanced proficiency in all knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a Lead Hemodialysis MIT, including performing hemodialysis procedures for both acute and chronic renal failure patients under the supervision of the assigned RN or Charge Nurse.
• Operates and maintains diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment essential for hemodialysis treatment. Independently initiates, monitors, and terminates dialysis treatments; prepares and administers prescribed solutions (e.g., lidocaine, heparin, normal saline); and ensures accurate and timely completion of all required documentation.
• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives and serves as a technical resource during committee meeting.
• Incumbent has technical responsibility for a 16-station hemodialysis procedural area, central nursing station, centralized hemodialysis water treatment & solution delivery room, associated inventory & supply rooms, biomedical/technical repair rooms, & dialysis-specific equipment & portable reverse osmosis machinery used/stored in critical care areas (ICU/PCU) for off-station treatments.

The GS-9 is responsible for the following duties:

• Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques such as those provided for acutely ill patients and peritoneal dialysis to provide training and supervision in these procedures.
• Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques.
• Ability to manage and supervise employees.
• Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training
• Knowledge of Joint Commission, American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards, and all other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.

Work Schedule: 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, May vary depending on deployment and/or assigned facility needs
Compressed/Flexible: 10 hour compressed tours
Telework: Not Available
Travel: No
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

NOTE: Prior to accepting a final employment offer, all selected applicants will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding deployment responsibilities

• 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination and maintain CDT physical readiness.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Must be able to meet physical demands which include strenuous physical activity to include carrying persons and equipment, walking long distances over difficult terrain, running, climbing, working long hours in primitive or arduous conditions, long periods of standing, and bending and stooping.
• 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-year 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. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken 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.

Grade Determinations: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment.

• Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques such as those provided for acutely ill patients and peritoneal dialysis to provide training and supervision in these procedures.
• Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques.
• Ability to manage and supervise employees.
• Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training
• Knowledge of Joint Commission, American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards, and all other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.

Certification.

• No certification required. BLS Required to work on the Unit.

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. 1. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory hemodialysis technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements: The Technician must spend a great deal of time walking and standing. Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 35 pounds safely. Walking, standing, stooping, bending, and kneeling for 4-6 hours intermittently. Prolonged sitting for 1-2 hours at a time. Frequent reaching above head and shoulders. Pushing equipment or carts for up to 4-5 hours intermittently. Repeated wrist movements setting up dialysis machines for 2-4 hours intermittently. Technician must expend considerable energy in the transport of heavy dialysis equipment and working in close quarters to check, adjust and make major and minor repairs at the bedside.

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.

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

• Resume

Resume - To determine your eligibility, please ensure resume includes the below:

• Job title
• Grade Level (for Federal positions)
• Duties (be as detailed as possible and ensure they demonstrate how you meet the specialized experience and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for the position
• Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
• Full-time or part-time status
  • (include average hours worked per week)
  • 40 hours per week, 32 hours per week, 20 hours per week, etc.

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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.

• License (License and Registry Certificate - if applicable)
• Transcript documenting the required degree and conferred date
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action - If you are a current or former VA or Federal Employee, you must submit a copy of a current and/or highest grade held SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action (Not an award SF50)
• Proof of current certification, licensure or registration - If you are basing your qualifications on education (or a combination of education and experience) or if the position requires a college education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application

Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

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