The Syracuse VA Medical Center has 1 vacancy for a Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology) in the Gastroenterology Section within the Medicine Service. The incumbent assists in the performance of diagnostic exams that include complex endoscopic procedures such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to: Performs clinical and clerical work in support of a wide range of basic and complex, specialized gastroenterology diagnostic exams, procedures and tests. Takes, records and monitors vital signs; measures height and weight; and draws blood for lab studies. The incumbent enters patient information into their electronic medical record. The incumbent prepares, drapes and positions patient for specific exam; and collects, processes and labels all specimens. Ensures cleanliness and disinfection/sterilization techniques are used in the maintenance of medical instruments and equipment. The incumbent ensures proper performance of endoscopic equipment; selects alternate equipment or adjusts equipment settings to accommodate patient needs; and promptly reports any equipment malfunctions. Performs and/or assists in diagnostic examinations. Procedures include but are not limited to: Anoscope,Cholangiograms, Colonoscopy, Endoscopy, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, Esophageal Biopsy, Esophageal dilation, Gastrostomy (PEG), Gastric Biopsy, Proctosigmoidoscopy, Pancreaticobiliary endoscopy, APC, Pancreatograms, Gastric Biopsy, and Sigmoidoscopy. The incumbent instructs the patient in the procedure to be performed and takes part in the post- procedure care of the patient. The incumbent works with the state-of-the-art technology such as the Olympus Imaging System, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatic Grams, Fluoroscopy x-ray. Transports patients via wheelchair or stretcher and assists patients with mobility problems. Cleans exam room after examination/procedure and restocks needed supplies at appropriate levels. Utilizes computer software packages applicable to clinic activities, e.g., to capture workload, enter statistical data, enter information into the patient's electronic medical record, and prepare correspondence. Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving email. Uses the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System. Work Schedule: M-F 7:30AM - 4:00PM and 8:00AM - 4:30PM with call rotation. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 21N47-ARelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not available. EDRP Authorized: Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not available. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not available. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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. Grandfathering Provision: The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 Hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. 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. Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician, GS-7: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of proper performance of endoscopic equipment and procedures. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures. Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures. Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME). Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification. Assignment: This represents the full performance level. Technicians at this level function with minimal instruction, assisting the staff with complex specialized procedures such as ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). They are proficient with GI endoscopic equipment and ensure proper performance of endoscopic equipment; select alternate equipment or adjust equipment settings to accommodate patient needs and produce high quality technique. They collect, process, and label all specimens; train other technicians in basic endoscopic procedures; work in and outside the GI unit offering technician support during emergent and on-call endoscopic cases; and assist the nurse in patient care duties such as obtaining vital signs, dressing and documenting all pertinent information in the patient's records. They inventory and maintain par levels of specialty equipment for the endoscopy unit. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27, Appendix L - GI Technician. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: Work demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, carrying light items, application of abdominal pressure up to several minutes at a time, and repositioning of patients during procedure to acquire desired outcomes.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Syracuse VA Medical Center 800 Irving Ave Syracuse, NY 13210 US
• Name: Erika Weisbrod
• Phone: 680-216-8337
• Email: [email protected]