The Birmingham VA Healthcare System, Nursing Acute Care Service is seeking a full-time Lead Medical Instrument Technician (Hemodialysis) for the VA Medical Center in Birmingham Alabama.

Duties

The Lead Hemodialysis (HD) MIT is responsible for the technical aspects of the equipment utilized in the dialysis setting. The lead HD technician is professionally responsible for planning and directing the technical work of the MIT-HD at levels GS 5through GS-8.In addition, the lead HD technician provides services in more complex cases, training to new staff, assisting in interviewing candidates for positions, recommending selections, identifying technical educational needs, evaluating technical performance and providing feed back to the Nurse Manger (NM) and providing input to the NM on promotions and advancements of the lower grade MIT-HDs. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Maintain all log records on all equipment that includes but is not limited to water treatment systems, dialysis equipment that includes Crit lines, bicarbonate mixers etc. Has a thorough knowledge of American Association of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards as it applies to all aspects of dialysis. Stays abreast of AAMI changes and implements actions that reflect these changes. Has a thorough knowledge of the JCAHO and other regulatory standards such as OSHA as they apply to the dialysis setting. Works collaboratively with the biomedical engineering technical assigned to dialysis in assuring the safety of all equipment used in the dialysis setting and assures the proper functioning of the equipment. Shares all required documentation with one another for cross checking purposes. Assures safety checks are in place and notifies biomedical technician of any missing or expired checks. Oversees or performs as necessary all daily, weekly, or monthly checks, cultures, LAL, chemistries on all equipment included but not limited to dialysis machines, Cri lines, all RO water treatment systems (main and portable) etc., checks log records for accuracy and completeness, tracks results and takes corrective action as necessary. Apprises and consults with Infection Control as necessary for persistent or unresolved issues with colony counts. In conjunction with the facility Safety Officer assures that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Book is kept up to date as solution, vendors or new items are added to the unit's inventory. Participates in the unit's CQI meeting providing both a written and oral report for the quarterly meetings. Assures that inventory control measures are in place and monitors effectively in both the main unit and in Building 213. In addition to Biomedical Engineering, collaborates with the various services in the facility that include plumbing, electrical, carpenter etc. or with contractors such as the RO System contactor or dialysis machines contactor for questions, problems, concerns etc. Assures that lower-level technicians are performing as required by their functional statements as it applies to technical duties. Alerts staff to deviations in technical performance and works with staff for corrections. Consuls staff on technical performance issues. Reports persistent lapses or lack of technical KSAs to the nurse manger or her designee. Provides for emergency coverage as needed. Distribute and balance work distribution among employees. Check work progress and ensure timely completion of workload. Estimate and provide reports to supervisor on expected time of completion of workload; maintain records of work accomplishments. Instruct employees in specific tasks and job techniques and provide written instruction and materials/supplies. Give on-the-job training to new employees; inform them of established work standards. Maintain knowledge level in order to answer technical questions of subordinate employees. Spot-check work in progress; and review work to see if the Supervisor's instructions, methods, deadlines are being met. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday rotating 10 hour shifts between the hours of 5:30am -6:00pm. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS 51554 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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-9 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques such as those provided for acutely ill patients in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. Certification by one of the following organizations is highly desirable at this level: 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. Preferred Experience: Two years experience as a Hemodialysis Technician References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Able to meet the physical demands of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing duties of this job the Echocardiography Technician is frequently required to stand walk, bend and reach. Must be able to lift and/or move over 50 pounds.

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 Birmingham VA Medical Center 700 South 19th Street Birmingham, AL 35233 US
• Name: Kara Wanner
• Email: [email protected]