Medical Instrument Technician - Seattle, United States - Department of Veterans Affairs

Description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (
EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your
EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the
EDRP application.

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Overview

• Accepting applications
• Open & closing dates

05/16/2024 to 05/29/2024

• Salary

$39,609 - $79,030 per year

GS-04: $39,609 - $51,488 | GS-05: $44,316 - $57,607 | GS-06: $46,578 - $57,909 | GS-07: $50,357 - $62,948 | GS-08: $60,794 - $79,030

• Pay scale & grade

GS 00

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Seattle, WA 1 vacancy
• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

8

• Job family (Series)

0649 Medical Instrument Technician

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Not Required

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBSV DB

• Control number

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This job is open to

• Federal employees - Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Federal employees - Excepted service

Current excepted service federal employees.

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

1st Area of Consideration: Current, permanent employees of the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System; 2nd Area of Consideration: Current, permanent employees of the Dept of VA; 3rd Area of Consideration: Other current federal employees

Help This job is also open in another announcement to:

• The public

Help This job is also open in another announcement to:

• The public

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Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Electroencephalography (EEG) Technicians operate the electroencephalograph and related devices such as evoked potential equipment to record electrical activity of the brain.

The technician operates and monitors neurodiagnostic equipment in the Neurodiagnostic Department at the Puget Health Care System Veterans Hospital in Seattle, Washington (VISN 20).

The technician will work directly with the Neurology Service Chief, MIT Supervisor, residents and fellows to assist in the establishment of a comprehensive epilepsy program following JCAHO standards.

The technician's duties include (showing GS-08):

• Performs routine and non-standard procedures. (EEG and EP)
• These include:
• Awake
• Sleep
• Portable
• ECS
• Performs routine long-term monitoring, LTM/CCTV - EEG monitoring.
• Utilizes the sophisticated equipment and associated electronics to obtain continuous video-EEG monitoring in patients with undiagnosed spells

Functions:

Equipment:

• Operates a variety of neurodiagnostic equipment to administer routine and specialized diagnostic treatment during procedures.
• Conducts routine maintenance and adjustment checks on the equipment.
• Recognizes, troubleshoots, and resolves equipment failures.

Testing:

• Utilizes the 10/20 method of electrode application during EEG's.
• Performs routine and specialized activation procedures during the EEG's and knows the contraindications to performing the activations.
• Recognizes the various biologic and non-biologic (artifacts) EEG and EP waveforms.
• Recognizes clinical manifestations of various types of epileptic and non epileptic seizures as they occur and utilizes established laboratory guidelines to perform cognitive testing of patient during event.
• Annotates observed behavior or anomalies on recordings.
• Ensures adequacy of EEG recording during seizure discharges.
• Utilizes video EEG telemetry system with seizure and spike detection software.
• Uses equipment specific processing software to execute several automation functions such as storing, retrieving, and transferring, electronic documents and files.
• Ability to interface and adapt neurodiagnostic testing equipment, settings and procedures to unusual, complex, and often critical situations.

Patient Safety:

• Understands the typical patient reaction to the neurodiagnostic procedure being performed and know signs of patient distress.
• Understands electrical safety and recognize unsafe recording equipment and environments.
• Performs the proper corrective actions to ensure an electrically safe recording often in hostile environments such as the operating room or intensive care areas.
• Uses proper actions to ensure patient safety during neurodiagnostic testing and will utilize proper hospital and laboratory infection control guidelines.

Work Schedule: 8am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized


EDRP

Authorized:
Education Debt Reduction Program (
EDRP)

Authorized:
This position is eligible for
EDRP, a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your
EDRP application within four months of your start date.

Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the
EDRP application.

Contact for questions/assistance.

Pay:
Competitive salary and regular salary increases

When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental

Leave:

After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy:

After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement:
Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance:
Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)


Telework:
Not Available


Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized


Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required

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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.
• 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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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.
• 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.

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-04

• Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
OR,

• Education. Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation.

*In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
• Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used.
• Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress.
• Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

GS-05

• Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. OR
• Education. Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions.

*In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.
• Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.
• Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.
• Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.
• Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.

GS-06

• Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled.

*In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic medical terminology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and EEG interpretation.
• Ability to position patients for the examination or treatment including using standard alternate positions for patient with common physical disabilities.
• Ability to operate the appropriate EEG equipment to administer routine, standardized diagnostic or treatment procedures.
• Knowledge of normal and abnormal results to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures.
• Knowledge of universal precautions and basic sterilization methods to clean instruments to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• Knowledge of EEG and peripheral equipment to conduct routine maintenance and adjustment checks.

GS-07

• Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized electroencephalography examinations.

*In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to perform more complex electroencephalography studies such as evoked potential (visual, auditory, somatosensory) and transcranial Doppler studies.
• Knowledge of medication effects related to electroencephalography studies and clinical situations requiring medication.
• Knowledge of life threatening or medically emergent testing or patient situations.
• Ability to recognize artifacts (patient or environmental) and document, eliminate, or take proper measures to monitor the artifact.

GS-08

• Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled.

This would be experience which provided knowledge of the more complex procedures, the pharmacology related to this occupation, and knowledge of related acute disorders and diseases and their effects on organs and methods of treatment.
*In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to interpret testing data to evaluate critical information for surgeons and other medical staff during testing procedures.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and the ability to understand the relationship of EEG and evoked potential testing in detecting states of disease and health.
• Knowledge of behavior assessment during seizure attacks in order to insure adequacy of recordings during seizure discharges.
• Knowledge of a variety of advanced EEG equipment and peripheral equipment such as equipment for brain mapping, video EEG telemetry systems with seizure detection computers, and spike analysis software.
• Knowledge of anticonvulsant medications and their effects on the EEG as well as other frequently used pharmaceuticals.
• Ability to adapt neurodiagnostic devices, parameters, and procedures to complex, unusual, and often critical situations.

References:
VA HANDBOOK 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27 II-G27-1 APPENDIX G27. MEDICAL INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-649

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08.

Physical Requirements:
Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental/Emotional Stability;

Environment Factors:
Working around machinery with moving parts; Working closely with others and alone

Education


IMPORTANT:

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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:
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:
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 , 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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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• Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

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Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members:

Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.