The first line Supervisory Medical Instrument Technician displays proficiency and performs at a level of excellence in all sleep diagnostic procedures and other related procedures in accordance with the guidelines established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and policies of Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS). The incumbent functions to score sleep studies as needed, plans, directs, and coordinates care related to in-lab and home sleep testing (HST).

Duties

Major Duties: Assign and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; resolve problems which may interfere with patient examination or treatment; evaluate new products and equipment and making recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations; evaluate performance; take disciplinary action when necessary; and identify educational or training needs. Responsible for reviewing patient history as it relates to sleep disorders and other medical conditions which may affect the diagnosis of sleep orders. Responsible for explaining the various procedures to the patient. Independently performs the following tests or procedures as assigned: diagnostic PSG, titration PSG, Split-night PSG, MSLT, MWT, HST, Oximetry and actigraphy. Independently performs sleep monitoring on individuals with possible sleep apnea or other breathing related sleep disorders and/or arterial desaturations secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or medical conditions. Independently performs sleep monitoring on individuals with other potential sleep disorders including, but not limited to, narcolepsy and periodic limb movement disorder. Independently applies CPAP or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) and other advanced modalities to appropriate levels per established protocols. Applies oxygen therapy as needed per established protocols. Responsible for the safe and proper operation of all equipment used in the Sleep Lab. Verifies correct instrument calibration and operation using established procedures. Identifies the cause of common problems and notifies engineering service when appropriate. Obtains technical or factory assistance in order to fully utilize the equipment to its full potential. Accurately scores sleep studies, MSLTs, MWTs, HSTs, and prepares reports when assigned. Assists with CPAP clinic for equipment initiation and instruction, follow-up, and compliance monitoring when assigned. Utilizes sleep software and charts in the electronic medical record as appropriate. Provides patient education during the performance of sleep studies, when assisting with CPAP clinic, and may assist with sleep education classes. Assists with covering the office/telephones in the absence of support staff when assigned. Is skilled in utilizing computer databases and word processing in the preparation of reports utilizing Microsoft Word and Excel when assigned. Keeps inventory of supplies and initiates purchase requests in a timely fashion to avoid disruption of scheduled studies when assigned. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees and interacts with staff physicians regarding diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. May provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians. Assists with maintaining department performance measures and documentation for quality assurance testing on a weekly basis. Knowledge of Joint Commission, American Academy of Sleep Medicine and other regulatory requirements. Participates in minimum of 10 hours of sleep related continuing education yearly. Attends all required meetings and in-services and formulates goals for professional development. May be required to travel between West Campus and East Campus as needed. Other duties as assigned by the Supervisory RRT or ACOS, Acute Care & Specialties Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Tour of duty subject to change based agency needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD619025 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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. 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-9. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required to provide all aspects of polysomnography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 1. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols, that pertain to Polysomnography. *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Preferred Experience: Five (5) years experience as a Sleep Technologist, RPSGT, or SDS Certification. RPSGT Certification (Registered Polysomnographic Technologist). References: VA Handbook 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: he 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 / sleep procedures.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Montgomery 215 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36109 US
• Name: Juanita Wilson
• Phone: (803) 647-2444
• Email: [email protected]