Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies. This is announcement will close November 17, 2025. See further details under How to Apply.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

***PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT PERMANENT VA EMPLOYEES AND OTHER CURRENT PERMANENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES OF OTHER AGENCIES IF YOU ARE NOT A PERMANENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEE, YOU SHOULD APPLY UNDER THE ANNOUNCEMENT CBTC-12830842-26-LS ***


The Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) is a member of the Nursing Team and functions as a technician in the Hemodialysis Unit. The Hemodialysis Technician possess knowledge and understanding of all types of required hemodialysis treatments, equipment, systems, and minor troubleshooting techniques in order to operate and monitor dialysis delivery systems for chronic and acute (non-ICU) patients and performs and monitors machine and water system maintenance. Patient care duties include access cannulation, initiation of and discontinuation of dialysis, monitoring of vital signs and dialysate delivery system, including all operations of pumps and alarms, and assisting patients in meeting their personal hygiene needs and activities of daily living.

The Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Provides safe patient care to a group of patients with the diagnosis of ESRD under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Operates and monitors dialysis system for chronic and acutely ill, and stable non-ICU patients.
• Operates and maintains dialysis delivery systems, equipment and water systems to ensure adequate functioning and patient safety during treatments, including adjusting the dialysis bath concentration of potassium and sodium per physicians' orders.
• Ensures that dialysis equipment is in proper working order and that technical staff has performed proper maintenance after each patient in accordance with established procedures/quality control measures prior to the next patients' treatment.
• Provides feedback to staff members in the setting up, administering and cleaning/sterilization of equipment/water system following guidelines and quality assurance/control procedures.
• Takes the lead in the maintenance, troubleshooting, and disinfection of equipment malfunctioning, coordinating with manufacturers via telephone in emergencies; assists and oversees technicians in making equipment adjustments.
• Maintains equipment status log and contacts biomedical technician for major repairs and services. Responsible for maintenance of all water system and equipment quality control logs. Performs daily water testing and monthly cultures per protocol.
• Assists biomedical support staff in maintaining equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations and regulatory standards.
• Is knowledgeable of the American Association of Medical Instruments (AAMI) standards and unit policies as they relate to water treatment, cell counts and disinfection.
• Completes assignments in a timely manner; displays sensitivity to the age-related needs of all patients.
• Performs cannulation on patients with established Arterial-Venous (AV) fistulas and grafts, according to Dialysis Unit policy and procedure for initiation of the hemodialysis treatment.
• Enters computer data to support daily treatments.
• Responsible for maintenance of all water system and equipment quality control logs.
• Advises nurse manager immediately when equipment/systems do not meet identified needs.
• Monitors and records all water level parameters daily, some twice daily assuring appropriate and acceptable levels of chlorine/chloramines are achieved. Notifies the Nurse Manager or his/her designee when levels are inappropriate.
• Performs appropriate disinfection of the central bicarbonate system daily, in addition to utilizing ozone disinfection weekly.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday including rotating Weekends - 5:30 am to 4pm; 6:30 am to 5:00 pm; 7:30 am to 6:00pm
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Telework: Not eligible for telework
Functional Statement #: 32081F, 30338F, 30996F
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

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 trial period.
• 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 must meet the requirements by the closing date of this announcement November 17, 2025.Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Must be US Citizen. 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, per VA Handbook 5005, Qualification Standards.

• 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.

Grade Determinations:

GS-4 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 position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used.
3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress.
4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted.
5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

OR

Education. Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation.

GS-5 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 position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.
2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.
3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.
4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.
5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.

OR

Education. Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions.

GS-6 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:

1. Skill in setting up, operating, and performing calibrations as required on a variety of dialysis equipment.
2. Skill in performing and interpreting test results (dialysate chemistries, water treatment testing for contaminates, etc.) including the ability to analyze deviations from the expected norm and responding appropriately.
3. Knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AMMI) standards and unit policies as they relate to water treatment.
4. Knowledge of physiological and psychological changes and conditions related to end stage renal disease.
5. Ability to calculate dialysis baths according to the physician's orders per patient by mixing critical concentrates, i.e., calcium, potassium, and bicarbonate.
6. Knowledge of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).

GS-7 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:

1. Ability to assist the physician in more complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion.
2. Ability to assist in training patients in home/self-care by teaching components of machine operation including water treatment and monitoring patients for compliance.
3. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians.
4. Ability to analyze deviations from the expected, determine whether the deviations are machine or patient related, and respond according to the findings.

GS-8 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of the hemodialysis process and equipment needed for home/self care including knowledge of common machine problems and repairs to such equipment.
2. Knowledge of the equipment and procedures for peritoneal dialysis.
3. Ability to assist the physician with percutaneous renal biopsies and peritoneal catheter insertion.
4. Ability to provide instruction to dialysis patients in home/self care and in the maintenance of the equipment.
5. Ability to provide instruction for physicians, nurses, and other personnel in dialysis procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, etc.

Preferred Experience:

• Five years of continuous Hemodialysis experience preferred.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications
• ARRT 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-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-04 to GS-08.

Physical Requirements:
This position includes a level of physicality normally associated with duties performed by Medical instrument Technician such as direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse, and potentially long periods of walking, standing, sitting, moderate lifting, repeated bending, or kneeling, pushing and pulling equipment up to 50 lbs. Examples may include but are not limited to: Significant amounts of time standing assisting assigned patients Utilization of safe patient handling and mobility protocols. The functional requirements for the position may include:1. Lifting to 50 pounds for 8-10 hours, intermittently2. Moderate carrying (15-35 pounds) for 8-10 hours, intermittently3. Lifting over 50 pounds with assistive device in accordance with Safe Patient Handling

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
• License/Registry Certificate (if applicable)
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications
• ARRT certification.

Current VA employees must submit the following:***SF50: must be current (indicate current title, series, grade and salary) and/or highest grade held SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action (Not an award SF50)


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 (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Resume/CV
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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