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
• 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-6 - Medical Instrument Technician (GI): (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
• In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1
• Ability to set up endoscopy equipment, ensuring endoscopes and ancillary equipment functions properly
• 2
• Ability to aid the physician with standard and routine procedures such as colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• 3
• Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to assist practitioner with routine standardized gastroenterology procedures
• 4
• Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure, recognizing disabilities or impaired mobility and assisting the patient as necessary
• 5
• Ability to reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions
• 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 manually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces, dispose of one- time-use equipment and trash per facility policy, and restock supplies such as linens, suction equipment, and cleaning products 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
• Preferred Experience: At least (2) years of experience as a GI Lab Tech: Colonoscopy, EGD
• ERCP Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-7. Physical Requirements: Physical qualifications require the ability to perform all duties and responsibilities, including bathing, turning, and positioning, lifting, ambulating, transferring, and transporting patients
• The use of special equipment and/or assistance may be necessary in lifting heavy patients.