The Primary Purpose of the Position is: The primary purpose of this position is to assist the practitioner in gastro-intestinal endoscopic procedures. The Organizational Location of the Position is: GI Endoscopy Unit, Gastroenterology Section, Medical Service, at Washington DC VA Medical Center.

Duties

Technicians at this level perform related duties as assigned as the work has significant effect on the accuracy and reliability of clinical treatment. Major Duties include, but are not limited to: Technicians assist in the following diagnostic procedures with minimum instruction. Capsule EGD Colonoscopy with or without interventions Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Endoscopic Mucosal Resections (EMR) Endoscopic Variceal Ligation (EVL) Enteroscopy Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with and without interventions Esophageal Balloon and Pneumatic Dilation Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Gastrostomy Insertion/Change/Removal The endoscopy technician performs in a mutually supportive role and is responsible for the technical management of the endoscopy suites. Duties include contact with patients, families, nurses, physicians, supply representatives, repair representatives, and multidisciplinary staff in various departments and ancillary services. Plans and discusses each procedure with the GI team and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to GI procedures. Prepares procedural rooms for the performance of GI endoscopic procedures. Evaluates the functioning ad calibration of the monitoring equipment used during the procedure to ensure patient clinical stability and safety. Maintains the monthly call schedule as well as room assignments and Communicates room assignments to other MITs to ensure adequate coverage. Works in concert with physician and RN to verify correct patient and procedures, acquire consent and educate patients in the procedure to be performed. Performs direct patient support work including personal patient care, blood glucose and obtaining peripheral access. Performs routine maintenance checks and minor repairs of endoscopic and other equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Ensures proper cleaning and disinfection of endoscopy room, procedural tables and stretchers, pre-cleaning of endoscopes, endoscopic accessories and other reusable medical equipment (RME) in accordance with infection control guidelines and manufacturer specifications. Assists in training residents, medical students, nursing students, and new GI/Endoscopy staff in the operation of equipment, proper techniques, handling of instruments, and GI Procedures. Provides general clerical/administrative support to the unit. Complies with guidelines, directives, medical center policies and procedures which pertain to the function of the Gastro-Intestinal (Gl) Endoscopy lab. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Requirements

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: 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". NOTE: 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 Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (Supervisory Gastroenterology (GI) Technician) GS-9: 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 advanced specialized gastroenterology procedures. (GS-08 experience: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. 1. Advanced GI Technician. Non-supervisory GI technicians may have assignments that because of the nature of the duties, substantially exceed the full performance level. They assist with the most highly complex procedures such as mucosal resection and ablation, fine needle aspiration, and double balloon colonoscopy, using a variety of highly complex ancillary equipment. They train technicians and other staff to assist with endoscopic procedures; may assist with daily assignments of technicians, procedural room assignments, and ordering of specialty equipment. They may trial new equipment and coordinate major repairs or installation of equipment with vendors and other facility departments; arrange vendor training and other educational in-services for the endoscopy staff. They may serve on GI related committees, incorporating practice improvement measures. 2. Lead GI Technician. In certain programs, either because of size and scope or because of a lack of specific supervisory positions, lead positions may be appropriate to provide daily guidance to the GI technicians. Lead Technicians will be the "superusers" responsible for answering questions for all staff on the endoscopic equipment. They will have the responsibility for daily workload assessments, assigning work and assuring proper staffing coverage; provide performance input for evaluation and award purposes; evaluate training records; and determine educational needs of the technician staff. They assist the practitioner with the most complex and non-standard procedures consisting of difficult endoscopic intubation through strictures. They assist special needs patients through the endoscopic procedure, ensuring those with physical or mental limitations are given the necessary physical or nonmedicinal interventional support measures. They participate in quality improvement measures, recommending and implementing practice changes when indicated.) In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs: Do you demonstrate the following GS-09 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced knowledge of complex gastroenterology procedures, such as ERCP with spy glass, ablation procedures, mucosal resection procedures, fine needle aspiration procedures and capsule studies. Ability to provide briefings and orientations, staff development and training to hospital staff including physicians. Knowledge of professional, legal, and ethical standards inherent to patient safety and rights. Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of integrated treatment and examination programs. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations. Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget. Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluation; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions. Preferred Experience: Seven years of OR technician experience, with >5 years of specific GI endoscopy technician experience. Training in handling/calibration of endoscopic equipment and disinfection/cleaning techniques. At least 2 years experience as a lead technician managing schedules and supplies. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to or over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

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 Washington VA Medical Center 50 Irving Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20422 US
• Name: Miranda Walker
• Phone: 404-321-6111
• Email: [email protected]