Medical Instrument Technician -Polysomnography Job in Helena, MT

Vacancy No. CBSU-12567224-25-JMW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $36,209.00 to $70,578.00 Grade 4 to 8
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/4/2024 Close Date 12/31/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Helena, MT


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

The Ft. Harrison VA Health Care System located in Montana is currently recruiting for two GS 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 Medical Instrument Technicians-Polysomnography Technicians.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered at regular intervals as additional vacancies occur or on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applications will remain on file until Dec 31, 24. This announcement is open to other current permanent federal employees and the public ONLY. VHA current permanent employees MUST apply to INTERNAL job announcement: CBSU-12567223-25-JMW

Duties

The full performance level of the Medical Records Technician-Polysomnography Technician duties include, but aren't limited to the following:

GS-4 & GS-5 graded positions are trainee positions that are taught the following duties as they progress through their training
As employees are promoted to grades GS-6 & GS-7 they are trained to perform more complex duties w/ more degrees of independence until they are promoted to GS-8
GS-8 graded employees are full performance employees & perform the following duties independently w/ minimal supervisor input
Monitors patients during all stages of sleep utilizing a variety of sophisticated recording devices to score/analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnographic recordings
Summarizes & prepares polysomnographic data reports
Anticipates problems likely to occur during the sleep study & makes changes in established procedures, or recommends alternative courses of action
Is knowledgeable in more complex procedures & uncommon/rare sleep disorders
Reviews patient history related to sleep disorders & medical conditions which may affect the diagnosis of sleep disorders
Explains various procedures to the patient
Performs sleep monitoring (polysomnography) on patients w/ possible sleep apnea or arterial desaturations secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other medical conditions
Performs sleep monitoring on individuals w/ other potential sleep disorders including, but not limited to, narcolepsy and periodic limb movement disorder
Applies continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) to appropriate levels per established protocols
Applies oxygen therapy per established protocols
Responsible for the safe & proper operation of all equipment used in the Sleep Center
Verifies correct instrument calibration & operation using established procedures
Identifies common problems & notifies engineering service as needed
Obtains technical or factory assistance in order to fully utilize the equipment to its full potential
Must be able to recognize sleep onset during nap opportunities
Performs Home Sleep Testing(HST) procedures, scores & prepares HSAT reports
Has a working knowledge of sleep software: Sleepware G3, Somnoware, Noxturnal, nVision, Care Orchestrator, AirView & Actiware
Assists w/ nocturnal oximetry & Actigraphy programsMonitors supply inventory & initiates purchase requests in a timely fashion to avoid disruption of scheduled studiesInteracts w/ staff physicians regarding diagnosis & treatment of sleep disorders & may provide briefings & orientation to hospital staff including physicians
Provides patient education during the performance of sleep studies & may assist w/ sleep education classes
Assists w/ scheduling of sleep studies as needed
Assists w/ maintaining department spread sheets for department performance measures
Assists w/ providing sleep study results to patients
Assists w/ MD/PA sleep clinics as needed
Mentors lower graded technicians
Attends courses in sleep related subject matters
Stays abreast of technological developments related, but not limited to, polysomnographic technology
Proficient w/ computer databases & word processing to prepare reports
Maintains current BLS course completion card, (& ACLS if possible)
Protects printed & electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance w/ the provision of the Privacy Act of 1974 & other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes & policies
Protects data from unauthorized release or from loss; alteration, or unauthorized deletion
Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc
Demonstrates I-Care values when interacting w/ all internal/external customers
Maintains current knowledge of & practices in accordance w/ The Joint Commission requirements
Protects printed & electronic files containing sensitive data according to Federal privacy Act & confidentiality statutes
Follows regulations & instructions regarding release of sensitive/protected patient/ employee information
May serve on Service Line/VISN 19/medical center committees, workgroups, &/or task forces, etc.
Performs other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Friday-Sunday, from 7pm-07:30am, & one 8 hour shift on Thursday every other week.
Duty Location: This position is located at an off site facility located at: 2271 Deerfield Lane Helena MT 59602
Compressed Schedule: Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD04-58592-A,05-58593-A,06-51227-A,07-51228-A,08-51229-A, PD04-58592-A,05-58593-A,06-51227-A,07-51228-A,08-51229-A, and PD04-58592-A,05-58593-A,06-51227-A,07-51228-A,08-51229-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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.
  • 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) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Applicants pending completion of educational/certification/licensure requirements may be referred & tentatively selected but can't 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 US citizens
  • English Language Proficiency Applicants must be proficient in spoken & written English
  • Education. There are no specific educational requirements for occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at GS-4 & GS-5 levels. See grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.
Grade Determination Requirements: Criteria discussed in applicable headings must be met when determining candidate's grade in addition to basic requirements for employment.

GS-4 Trainee

Experience. At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade level which demonstrates Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, KSAs & other characteristics related to position duties. 6 months of experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing or similar fields. Remaining 6 months must have been in operating diagnostic & therapeutic equipment covered by occupation. Experience gained in operating equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level.

OR

Education. Successful completion of 2 years of education above high school or associate's degree w/ a major field of study directly related to medical instrument technician occupation

In addition, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:

Demonstrated KSAs

1) Knowledge of basic medical terminology
2) Ability to learn components, operating characteristics & settings of equipment used
3) Ability to learn typical patient reactions to basic procedures involved & ability to recognize distress signs
4) Ability to learn standard positions for procedure being conducted5) Ability to communicate orally & in writing

GS-5 Trainee

Experience. At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade level which demonstrates KSAs & other characteristics related to position duties. Experience in operating equipment related to polysomnography or in related functional areas. Experience gained in operating equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level.

OR

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

In addition, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs

Demonstrated KSAs

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

GS-6-MIT-Polysomnography

Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to next lower grade level which demonstrates KSAs & other characteristics related to position duties.

In addition, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:

Demonstrated KSAs

1) Knowledge of standard, computerized polysomnographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG & respiratory parameters
2) Knowledge of standard devices such as oximeters, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines & laboratory computers including ability to calibrate & operate equipment & recognize & eliminate recording artifacts
3) Knowledge of medical terminology & medical record organization to review medical records, sleep study orders, consent forms, medical charts, etc
4) Knowledge of polysmnographic procedural protocols (including overnight sleep studies, MSLT, MWT, PAP, etc)
5) Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology & international 10-20 electrode placement system to conduct the sleep studies

GS-7 MIT-Polysomnography

Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to next lower grade level which demonstrates KSAs & other characteristics related to position duties. Experience which provided individual w/ KSAs to independently conduct difficult but standardized polysomnography examinations

In addition, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:

Demonstrated KSAs

1) Knowledge of CPAP function & operation to select & fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices
2) Ability to independently titrate & document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals
3) Knowledge of indications, complications & contraindications of CPAP therapy
4) Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations
5) Ability to recognize changes seen during the PSG tracing & identify all sleep stages, including ability to score & analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnography recordings

GS-8 MIT-Polysomnography

Experience. At least 1 year experience comparable to next lower grade level which demonstrates KSAs & other characteristics related to position duties. Experience which provided a knowledge of more complex procedures & knowledge of uncommon &/or rare sleep disorders

In addition, candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs:

Demonstrated KSAs

1) Advanced knowledge or International Classification of Sleep Disorders & ability to recognize uncommon &/or rare sleep disorders
2) Ability to summarize & report polysomnographic data in narrative form
3) Knowledge of event characteristics (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, sleep stage, seizures, etc.) & ability to take appropriate action
4) Ability to provide briefings & orientation to hospital staff including physicians

Preferred Experience: Registered Polysomnography Technologist certification from Board of Registered Polysomnography Technologists. Sleep lab experience. BLS &/or ALS certification

Reference: For more information on qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Vacancy full performance level is a GS-8. Applicants may be selected in grade ranges GS-4 to GS-8

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to use your hands to grasp & precisely manipulate objects
Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken or written word
Must be able to view, read, enter, edit & manipulate information on computer screens
Must pass, possess & maintain BLS certification

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts can be unofficial transcripts, but must include your name, the school's entire name, the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, (if applicable), (name of degree received, (if applicable).

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. 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 accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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.

Please be clear and specific in describing your experience, or any information in your resume or any attachments you provide. We will not make assumptions regarding any information provided regarding your experience on your resume or any information contained in your application materials. 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.

Required Documents

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

  • Resume



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)
  • If applicable, please upload a copy or screenshot of your Registered Polysomnography Technologist certification from Board of Registered Polysomnography Technologists
  • If applicable, please upload a copy or screenshot of your Basic Life Support Certification, BLS
  • If applicable, please upload a copy or screenshot of your Advanced Life Support Certification, ALS
  • Resume
  • 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.

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 Eastern Standard Time on 12/31/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12567224.

  1. 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.
  2. 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

VISN 19 HR Contact Center
Address
Montana VA Health Care System
3687 Veterans Drive
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
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 USAJobs 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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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