This position is located at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center and will require working at 2 locations; University Drive and the Heinz Campus. The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) is assigned to the Hemodialysis Unit, which is organizationally responsible to Medical Specialty Line (MSL).

Duties

The Hemodialysis (HD) MIT is responsible for the performing hemodialysis treatments on the chronic dialysis patients. The assignment may involve assisting with peritoneal dialysis when needed but their primary role is in the hemodialysis unit. The HD MIT may also provide instructions on machine operation and monitoring for self care or home patients. In addition, the HD technician trains physicians, nurses and other technicians on the use of dialysis machines and related equipment. Functions as a preceptor coordinator for new technical or nursing staff in learning the operation of all dialysis machine and equipment such as dialysis machines, conductivity meters, the central water system along with portable RO's and vascular access monitoring equipment. Takes a lead in the maintenance, troubleshooting and disinfection of equipment, water quality monitoring, restocking of supplies and/or preparation of dialysate concentrates for dialysis procedures. Responsible for yearly competencies for all dialysis staff on vascular access monitoring via the Transonics Flow Device. Maintains inventory of all dialysis related supplies on a weekly basis assuring rotation of stock and adequate levels are maintained. Communicates stock issues with the appropriate staff on a regular basis and recommends changes in stock numbers as inventories fluctuate. Work Schedule: Monday - Saturday, 5:00am-3:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Compressed; rotating 4/10 hour shifts per week Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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 only. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-8 Experience: At least 1 year of specialized experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-07) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. Examples of experience include: experience which provided knowledge of the more complex procedures, the pharmacology related to this occupation, and knowledge of related acute disorders and diseases and their effects on organs and methods of treatment. Experience equivalent to the GS-8 level should also include work that requires the knowledge of assisting the physician in more complex procedures such as central venous catheter insertion, ability to assist in training patients in home/self-care by teaching components of machine operation including water treatment and monitoring patients for compliance, act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians, and analyze deviations from the expected, determine whether the deviations are machine or patient related, and respond according to the findings. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Nephrology Certification Commission (NNCC), Board of Nephrology Examiners, Inc., Nursing and Technology (BONENT), National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), and the International Certification Commission for Clinical Engineering and Biomedical Technology (ICC) in conjunction with the United States Certification Commission (USCC). Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. 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 GS-08.

Contacts

• Address Pittsburgh VA Medical Center 1010 Delafield Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215 US
• Name: Ashley Bethke
• Phone: 412-822-1956
• Email: [email protected]