Clarification from the agency

Area of Consideration: Open to current, permanent VA employees of the Milwaukee VA Medical Center (includes CBOCs and VCS) NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

This position is located at the Clement j Zablocki VA Medical Center located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Medical Instrument Technician is responsible for the performance of the full range of Gastrointestinal (GI) duties.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Assists practitioners in endoscopic procedures, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD),colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound.
• Maintains annual competency requirements through computer based educational needs, in-services, continuing education, as well as current BLS.
• Collection/ handling and labeling of specimens.
• Use of accessory devices during endoscopic procedures.
• Experience in GI procedures, Outpatient clinic setting and/or equivalent experience

• Experience and knowledge of Sterile processing and endoscope care
• Experience in the clinic setting doing intake and support of the Registered Nurse
• Ability to set up GI procedure rooms with all required items for each procedure such as video equipment, endoscopes, endoscope flushing system, image management systems, computers and monitors, cautery units, and reprocessing equipment
• Knowledge of Semi Critical and Non- Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) in accordance with appropriate Standard Operating Procedures
• Ability to work collaboratively with the nursing staff Plans and discusses each procedure with the GI team professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the GI procedures
• Excellent assessment and interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities. Ability to provide and coordinate direct health care to patients and acts as a role model in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care for persons with various medical diagnoses
• Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of healthcare providers, patients, and families.
• Demonstrates sound judgment in problem solving, decision making, change process and conflict resolution in matters related to clinical practice issues.

Work Schedule: Days, variable start times, with call responsibilities.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 07557F & 07558F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• 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 examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• 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 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: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:

GS-06 Level
At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-05) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. Experience includes but is not limited to: Working with procedures which are routine and standardized in nature. Explaining the procedure to the patient to secure the patient's confidence and cooperation; position patients for procedures; and restock linen and consumable supplies. Setting-up, cleaning, and ensuring proper performance of the endoscopic equipment; and preparing the procedure rooms for turn-over, adhering to universal precautions and SOPs. Logging procedure and reprocessing data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policy.

AND

The candidate must demonstrate the following KSA's:
1. Ability to set up endoscopy equipment, insuring 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.

GS-7 LEVEL ( Full Performance Level)
At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-06) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. Experience includes but is not limited to: Working with proper performance of endoscopic and surgical equipment and procedures. Functioning with minimal instruction, assisting the staff with complex specialized procedures such as ERCP. Working with GI endoscopic equipment and ensure proper performance of endoscopic equipment; selecting alternate equipment or adjusting equipment settings to accommodate patient needs and produce high quality technique. Collecting, processing, and labeling all specimens; training other technicians in basic endoscopic and surgical procedures; working in and outside the GI unit offering technician support during emergent endoscopic and surgical cases; and assisting the nurse in patient care duties such as obtaining vital signs, dressing and documenting all pertinent information in the patient's records. Monitoring inventory and maintaining par levels of specialty equipment for the endoscopy unit.

AND

The candidate must demonstrate the following KSA's:
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.

Preferred Experience: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is highly desired at this level.

Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

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-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-7.

Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to sit intermittently, walk short distances, stand for short periods of time, and carry light instruments and medical supplies up to 50 pounds intermittently throughout the workday

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

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.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• Resume
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• 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.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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