Lead Medical Instrument Technician - Gastroenterology (GI)

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. 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 essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at 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. 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: 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. Education/Training: To be creditable education, must have been gained in an accredited Community College, College, or University. Training: Completion of appropriate training such as in-service training programs, on the job training, training acquired while in the Armed Forces, government sponsored developmental training programs, and/or training under physicians certified in the functional area will be allowed on a month-for month basis through the GS-5 level. Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. GS-08 Experience: At least one (1) year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-07) 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. 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, 3, and 4 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSA 5 is to be used as appropriate for the specific assignment. 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 orientation to hospital staff including physicians, residents, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses. Knowledge of regulatory and advisory agencies such as Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA), American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and applicable laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). Knowledge of medical terminology related to GI and biliary systems used to identify pathology or for specimen identification and procedure documentation and knowledge of advanced anatomy and physiology to recognize obvious abnormalities during procedures. *Ability to provide staff development and training. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have SGNA core level one and two certifications (BLS and ACLS). 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 non-medicinal interventional support measures. They participate in quality improvement measures, recommending and implementing practice changes when indicated. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical lifts are provided. The MIT may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and will be required to don protective clothing while providing patient care and servicing/cleaning equipment. The MIT may occasionally experience patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The MIT must be a mature and sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Lifting and transportation of bulky supplies and equipment are required.