Summary 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/set up of equipment, and reprocess endoscopic reusable medical equipment (RME).This vacancy is for a LEAD position Responsibilities Duties include, but are not limited to: Assist with the most highly complex procedures such as mucosal resection and ablation, fine needle aspiration, and double balloon colonoscopy, using a variety of highly complex ancillary equipment, which will encompass 40% of their assigned duties. Train technicians and other staff to assist with endoscopic procedures; may assist with daily assignments of technicians, procedural room assignments, and ordering of specialty equipment. Conduct trials on new equipment and coordinate major repairs or installation of equipment with vendors and other facility departments; arrange vendor training and other educational in-services for the endoscopy staff. May serve on GI related committees, incorporating practice improvement measures. Requires flexibility in schedule, assignments, and on call schedule. Demonstrates and maintains competencies. Communicates with team during patient care, follows ethical standards and principles. Maintains equipment and supplies, restocks and sends out equipment for repair. Is independent in assisting the practitioner with the most complex and non-standard procedures consisting of difficult endoscopic intubation through strictures. Identifies pathology specimens and procedure documentation and knowledge of advanced anatomy and physiology to recognize obvious abnormalities during procedures. Independent in supporting basic diagnostic/therapeutic Pulmonary procedures (i.e. bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, tracheostomy change, chest tube placement, etc.). Reprocesses specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions. Manually cleans and disinfection semi and non-critical reusable equipment per SOP policy, and restock supplies. Performs other duties as assigned by the Nurse Manager. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am-3:30 pm Staff are assigned one designated late day to provide coverage for cases that extend beyond normal operational hours. Telework: Not Avaliable Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Medical Instrument technician (GI), 00000 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. 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". 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. Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupation, on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education, and/or certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. Preferred Experience: BLS or like certificate required Recent Patient Care Experience Ability to remain calm in busy, fast paced department Crucial Conversation course completion Proficient in advance GI such as EUS (endoscopic ultrasound), ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) Grade Determinations: GS-8 (Lead GI Technician)To qualify for the GS-8, Lead GI Technician, the candidate must demonstrate completion of one year of experience equivalent to a GI Technician at the next lower level, GS-7. 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 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. 1. Knowledge of complex gastroenterology procedures, such as ERCP with spy glass, ablation procedures, mucosal resection procedures, fine needle aspiration procedures and capsule studies. 2. Ability to provide briefings and orientations to hospital staff including physicians. 3. 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). 4. 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. 5. Ability to provide staff development and training. 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 Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 lbs., moderate carrying, 15-44 lbs., reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, standing 4-6 hours; hearing, aid permitted. Duties require extensive use of fingers to perform keyboarding and the ability to hear requests by phone and in person. Version must be adequate to read and prepare documents. 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/. Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
