Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) Job in Richmond, VA

Vacancy No. CBTA-12622269-25-SR Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $56,658.00 to $73,653.00 Grade 8 to 8
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/26/2024 Close Date 12/5/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Richmond, VA


Summary

The technician independently operates and monitors neurodiagnostic equipment in the Integrated Sleep Disorders Center at the Richmond VAMC. The technician performs a full range of standard, but complex examinations including overnight sleep studies, MSLT (multiple sleep latency tests), and PAP (positive airway pressure).

Duties

The technician independently operates and monitors neurodiagnostic equipment in the Integrated Sleep Disorders Center Richmond VAMC, VISN 6. The technician performs a full range of standard, but complex examinations including overnight sleep studies, MSLT (multiple sleep latency tests), and PAP (positive airway pressure). They are responsible for properly and accurately calibrating all instruments prior to PSG tracings. Following laboratory protocol, they independently determine the need for CPAP therapy. Technicians at this level will provide briefings and orientation about sleep studies and lab policy to residents, fellows, and other personnel who may rotate thru department. They may serve as mentor to lower level technicians.

Duties at this level may involve more complex procedures (under closer supervision) to prepare the technician for promotion to higher levels.

The technician will operate computerized polysomnographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG, and respiratory parameters. They will use devices such as oximetry, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and laboratory computers. They will select and fit appropriate CPAP patient interface devices and provide education to patients during the daytime CPAP Group Clinics. The technician will conduct routine maintenance and adjustment checks on the equipment during the daytime CPAP Clinics (CPAP Maintenance Clinics, Walk-ins, Telehealth Clinics). Additionally, he/she will be able to address CPAP compliance via machine downloads and remote monitoring with machine modems. The technician will recognize and report any equipment failure to the supervisor.

The technician will know medical terminology, anatomy, physiology as it relates to sleep disorders. They have advanced knowledge of The International classification of Sleep disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and or rare sleep disorders. The technician will understand the relationship of events, sleep stages, and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep. They will use this knowledge to review medical records and read and understand routine and complex sleep study orders. They will know normal and abnormal results and will document abnormalities during procedure.

The Polysomnography (PSG) technician will utilize standard or alternate position for patients with common physical disabilities for the procedure being performed. They will utilize two methods of patient identification. They will explain the testing procedure to the patient. They will utilize the 10/20 method of electrode application during procedures. The technician will follow established laboratory protocol in performing standard overnight sleep studies, PAP, and MSLT's. The technician will independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals. They will know the indications, complications, and contraindications to CPAP therapy. They will know how to use Bi-Level PAP therapy. They will obtain written permission to perform audio and video during the procedures that require such. They will recognize biologic and non-biologic (artifacts) EEG waveforms. They will know corrective actions to eliminate artifacts. They will recognize all levels of sleep. The technician has knowledge of event characteristics (ie. respiratory, cardiac, sleep stages, seizures, etc.) and will take appropriate action. They will make changes in recording techniques and parameters to optimize display of the clinical question (e.g. seizure monitoring, parasomnias). They will score and analyze sleep stages on the recordings. The technician recognizes obvious clinical manifestations of various types of epileptic and non epileptic seizures as they occur. The technician annotates observed behavior or anomalies on recordings. They use equipment specific processing software to execute several automation functions such as storing, retrieving, and transferring, electronic document and files. The technician will summarize and report Polysomnographic data in narrative form. They will recognize life threatening or medically emergent patient situations and take appropriate action to provide emergent care.



Work Schedule: Monday- Friday; 8:00AM - 4:30 PM
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:000000
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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 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.
  • Certification: No certification or registration is required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level.

Grade Determinations:

To qualify at the GS-8 full performance level, you must possess 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. This would be experience which provided a knowledge of the more complex procedures as well as knowledge of the uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders; Knowledge of CPAP function and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices; Ability to independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals; Knowledge of indications, complications, and contraindications of CPAP therapy; Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations; Ability to recognize changes seen during the PSG tracing and identify all stages of sleep. This includes the ability to score and analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnography recordings.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

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

Assignment. This represents the full performance level. At this level Polysomnographic Technicians are able to interact fully with the patient and physician to diagnose sleep disorders including those that are uncommon or rare. They are able to conduct full sleep studies including overnight studies and evaluate the relationship of events, sleep stages, and possible medical conditions which influence or result from events occurring during sleep. They anticipate problems likely to occur during the sleep study and prepare for such situations, make changes in established procedures, or recommend alternative courses of action. They are able to mentor lower graded technicians.

Preferred Experience: 1-2 years experience in the field of sleep medicine with patient care. RPSGT credential preferred

References: VA Handbook 5005 /15, Part II, Appendix G27

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-08

Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and stretching to set up and take apart equipment and apparatus; lifting and repositioning patients; and pushing or pulling heavy objects such as oxygen tanks and/or equipment. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average dexterity to perform intricate respiratory therapy procedures.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (VA)
  • MISC
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • 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 (ET) on 12/05/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12622269.

  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

Shawanna Reynolds
Address
Central Virginia VA Health Care System
1201 Broad Rock Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23249
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.


© 2006-2024, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements