Duties

A. Functions as the primary assistant responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all endoscopic and other procedures.

B. Assists patients preparing to have a procedure performed, such as changing clothes, provide
basic information regarding the procedure, attaching monitoring devices, oxygen, completing EKGs, starting IVs, performing phlebotomy, and so forth.

C. Has an extensive knowledge of a wide variety of complex endoscopy procedures and possible
complications. Is able to anticipate and prepare for the needs of the endoscopy team. Is able to
report observations and immediate procedural needs to the endoscopist.

D. Has an in-depth technical knowledge concerning instrumentation, human anatomy, human physiology, infection control and has technical knowledge on use and effects of anesthesia/sedation.

E. Able to position patients prior, during and after the procedure. This also involves appropriate
cushioning to joints and individual patient needs.

F. Sets up the endoscopy field with all required items for all procedures, such as fiber optic
equipment, endoscopic equipment, and other supplies and equipment.

G. Maintains adequate supply of inventory and supplies. Place orders and follows through with
obtaining deficient supply or equipment.

H. Able to manually pre-clean, manual clean, and perform high level disinfection on a variety of
scope and diagnostic equipment/accessories.

I. Maintains the system process for identification of expired scopes and other sterile
equipment/supplies.

J. Identifies if a scope is damaged and takes action to prevent further damage before the scope is
sent for repair. Maintains scope inventory and repair log.

K. Communicates effectively and respectfully with all endoscopy team members.

L. Plans and discusses each procedure with endoscopy professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the procedure.

M. Prepares, organizes, and maintains procedural setups.

N. Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the procedure and anticipates the needs of the endoscopist by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time.

0. Assists with the collection, labeling, and recording of specimens.

P. Provides safe transportation of patients.

Q. Provides assistance in the administrative functions of the unit, which includes clerical
support, such as receiving telephone calls and visitors and maintaining office files; gathering and
compiling statistics and quality assurance data; and organizing and maintaining internal records of the GI Lab.

R. Serves as primary point of contact for Biomed and SPS.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Compressed/Flexible: NO
Telework: NO
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.
• 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.
• 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

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).

Gastroenterology (GI) Technicians assist the practitioner in endoscopic procedures, such as
esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
(ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound. The technicians ensure proper performance of equipment, set up
equipment, and reprocess endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME). Certification is offered by the
Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) for level one and level two training. GI
endoscope reprocessing certification is offered through the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and
Distribution (CBSPD).

Grade Determinations: GS-07 In addition to the basic requirements above ,the below is required.
GS-7 GI Technician (Full Performance Level)
(a) Experience. 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 proper performance of endoscopic equipment and procedures.
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report
obvious abnormalities during procedures.
3. Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures.
4. Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean
reusable medical equipment (RME).
5. Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills
with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care.
6. Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to
patient privacy and information security policies.
7. Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration.
(c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have
BLS certification.

Preferred Experience: Medical Instrument Technician in lab environment (specifically Gastroenterology)

References: See VA Handbook 5005, Part 11, Appendix G 27; Appendix L, Dated June, 7, 2012.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 07.

Physical Requirements: Duties regularly require providing manual assistance in lifting and positioning patients, most of which are in varying stages of unconsciousness. There are extensive periods of regular and recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching to provide easy accessibility of instruments and supplies for the endoscopist.

Education

There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation at this grade level.

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 .

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .