Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology)

US Department of Veterans Affairs; Martinsburg (WV); On-site; USD 47,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Gastroenterology (GI) Technician to assist with endoscopic procedures including EGD, colonoscopy, ERCP, and endoscopic ultrasound.

You will ensure equipment is functioning, set up gear, and reprocess reusable medical equipment (RME). Certification is offered by SGNA for level 1 and level 2 training; applicants pending requirements may be referred but cannot be hired until requirements are met.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system.
• Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures.
• Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOPs to clean reusable medical equipment.
• Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service with healthcare professionals.
• Ability to use basic computer systems to record patient data.
• Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration.

Responsibilities

• Assist during endoscopic procedures (EGD, colonoscopy, ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound).
• Set up equipment and ensure proper performance; reprocess reusable medical equipment (RME).
• Maintain patient data and adhere to privacy policies.

Skills

Endoscopic equipment

GI anatomy & physiology

Assist procedures

Universal precautions

Disinfection techniques

Patient data recording

Vital signs & meds

Customer service

Education

No formal education requirements

Job description

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.

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.
• Licensure or Certification: 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.
• English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7402(d).

Grade Determinations

GS-7 (Full Performance Level)

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:

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of endoscopic equipment and use in basic and complex endoscopic procedures.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to the GI system, with ability to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures.
• Ability to assist physician with specialized, complex procedures.
• Knowledge of universal precautions and disinfection techniques and ability to follow SOP's to clean reusable medical equipment (RME).
• Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service skills and interpersonal skills with all healthcare professionals to ensure quality and continuity of care.
• Ability to use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data, adhering to patient privacy and information security policies.
• Ability to deliver patient care, including vital sign measurements and medication administration.

Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BLS certification.

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 GS-7.

Physical Requirements

The work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients. The work requires above average agility and dexterity. The incumbent may be required to travel between VA and/or Non-VA clinical care sites and possession of a valid driver's license may be required.