Duties
Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties:
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Program and Operations:
Incumbent recognizes relevance of information for DME and Sleep Clinic needs. Identifies, evaluates, and
assimilates information from multiple sources. Has sufficient knowledge and skills in communicating the purpose of PAP and how to integrate PAP therapy in the home setting. Able to desensitize patients to PAP therapy. Must be able to recognize disabilities and handicaps some patients may have and be able to act and react with
professionalism and courtesy while communicating with the patient. Incumbent must be able to address patients'
complex barriers regarding the PAP therapy when they arise, either via phone, CPAP clinic, CPAP Emergent Clinic, or VA Video connect. Checks in and stages patients for CPAP clinic. Assists patients with proper fit for PAP equipment and masks. Sets up the exam rooms to assure sterile supplies and other required equipment are carefully selected and properly presented as determined by the test being performed. Sets up the PAP equipment, performs quality checks to ensure readiness for use during the procedure. Establishes and monitors quality control, record keeping systems and measures to assure the accuracy and validity of results. Establishes and writes instructions for calibrating and standardizing instruments and equipment. Translates data into meaningful information. Examines and considers all aspects of a situation, including its context and complexity, in order to identify the best course of action and reach an informed decision. Ensures all equipment is kept clean and safe for use by the PAP patient. Able to recognize and report malfunctioning equipment to Biomedical Services for repair or replacement. Maintains and monitors all necessary supplies are stocked and available in the event of an emergent procedure. Ensures proper cleaning and performs minor adjustments and maintenance.
Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT) Program and Operations:
Incumbent works with a variety staff at local and remote sites to train clinic staff on HSAT data collection and setup, PAP setup, and follow-up. Instructs the technicians at remote sites on the proper hookup procedure for the HSAT device so the studies are close to artifact free. Communicates effectively with a range of personnel (physicians, nurses, administration and clinic managers) within the medical center and at Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) to develop policy and procedures for the HSAT program. Provides oversight of the HSAT program to assure that it meets with all Joint Commission, American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), and other regulatory bodies prescribed standards. Helps with instructing the remote, CBOC technicians to download the HSAT data to the Portland VA Sleep Center and score the HSAT study. Oversees staff working at remote CBOCs for the HSAT program to assure competency in HSAT and PAP setup. Independently explains the procedures to the patient and answers any questions regarding HSAT study. Appropriately prepares patient for test using standardized aseptic technique. Performs triage, rearranges schedule according to patient priorities, and assists other MITs when needed. Evaluates and reviews market of HSAT equipment to determine if new equipment would provide additional clinical diagnostic abilities and recommends new equipment as needed.
In-Lab Sleep Studies Program and Operations:
Incumbent may assist in the performance of sleep studies, including Diagnostic, Split Study, PAP Titration,
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), or a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). Incumbent establishes and
writes instructions for calibrating and standardizing instruments and equipment when necessary. Assures that the
required equipment is carefully selected and properly presented as determined by the procedure being performed. Requests preventative maintenance as required.
Prepares, calibrates, interfaces, and operates all equipment used in polysomnographic procedures. Applies
electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes based on the International 10-20 electrode placement system. Applies
electro-oculogram (EOG), electromyogram (EMG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) using AASM scoring manual.
Applies pulse oximeter ear or finger probe; thoracic and abdominal effort belts; nasal/oral thermistor or thermocouple sensors and pressure sensors to produce flow signals, and other diagnostic electrodes and equipment. Ensures patient comfort and proper function of applied electrodes and transducers. .
Work Schedule:0800-1630
Compressed/Flexible:available
Telework: not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 0000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition.
- English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
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-6
- (a) 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:
- (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- 1. Knowledge of standard, computerized polysomnographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG, EOG, EKG, EMG and respiratory parameters.
- 2. Knowledge of standard devices such as oximeters, respiratory effort devices, nasal pressure devices, thermistors, thermocouples, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and laboratory computers including the ability to calibrate and operate the equipment and recognize and eliminate recording artifacts.
- 3. Knowledge of medical terminology and 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 and the international 10-20 electrode placement system in order to conduct the sleep studies.
- (c) Certification. No certification or registration is required at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.
GS-7
- (a) 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. This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized polysomnography examinations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- 1. Knowledge of CPAP function and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices.
- 2. Ability to independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals.
- 3. Knowledge of indications, complications, and contraindications of CPAP therapy.
- 4. Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations.
- 5. 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.
GS-8
- (a) 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. 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- (b) 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.
Preferred Experience: 2 years sleep lab/DME or related experience; CRT-SDS/RT-SDS, RPSGT or RST certifications preferred
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-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8.
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute
Education
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/.
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:
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
- Other (1)
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
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 03/24/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12709425.
- 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.
- 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.
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.