Clarification from the agency

Open to U.S. Citizen.

Duties include but not limited to:

• Knowledge in all advanced specialized gastroenterology procedures.
• Assists the Practitioner in endoscopic procedures in the Gastroenterology Lab of Medical Specialty Nursing Service.
• Provide technical support to the Gastroenterology physicians during invasive endoscopic procedures.
• Function independently for all procedures, maintaining equipment and supplies needed to service these specialties.
• Responsible for keeping current on all area SOPs and providing annual education on SOPs.
• Prepares procedural rooms for the performance of endoscopic procedures.
• Assists in obtaining biopsies, brushing, polypectomy, inflation of balloon dilators, and handling of intraprocedural equipment for safely and optimum outcomes.
• Responsible for performing point of service-cleaning of scopes and equipment prior to transport to sterile processing service for high level disinfection.
• Apply various monitoring equipment i.e., BP, Pulse Ox, ECG, etc., when assisting with patients in the preop area.
• Transport sedate/non sedated patients to/from preop-intra-op and recovery via stretcher/wheelchair.
• Maintenance of all endoscopes and endoscopic accessories including proper cleaning and disinfection of endoscopes.
• Maintenance of disinfection logs, including culture verification and quality assurance guidelines.
• Maintenance of all endoscopy related equipment (light and power sources, etc.), and all accessories.
• Stocking supplies for maintenance of par levels, for the unit and procedure rooms
• Ability to maintain adequate inventory of supplies in endoscopy rooms. Places orders and follows through on obtaining any deficient supplies/equipment. Checks all supplies for expiration date.
• Assist the GI Team members with care of patient i.e., positioning in the procedure room
• Educates patients in the procedure to be performed and takes part in the post-procedure care of the patient.
• Assisting physicians with all endoscopy procedures to include but not limited the use of cautery.
• Collecting, processing, and labeling all specimens.
• Using basic computer systems and programs to record/research data adhering to patient privacy and information security policies.
• Adhere to Infection Control practices regarding the handling of reusable medical equipment and supplies.
• Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to troubleshoot and address the various procedural and clinical situations in which a trainee might experience.
• Knowledge of complex gastroenterology procedures, such as ERCP with spy glass, ablation procedures, mucosal resection procedures, fine needle aspiration procedures and capsule studies.
• Knowledge of regulatory and advisory agencies such as Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA), American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and applicable laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
• Knowledge of medical terminology related to GI and biliary systems used to identify pathology or for specimen identification and procedure documentation and knowledge of advanced anatomy and physiology to recognize obvious abnormalities during procedures.
• Ability to provide staff development and training
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0730-1800pm (Subject to change based on Agency needs).
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement # 53453F.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

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 Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP)

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.
• Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.
• 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.
• English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English.

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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria, grade requirement must be met.

GS-7 GI Technician (Full Performance Level)(a) 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:

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities1. 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.
(c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification.

Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of Gastroenterology (GI) Technician experience.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, dated June 7, 2012.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07.

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.

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

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.

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.

• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Resume
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: 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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