Medical Instrument Tech (GI)

Veterans Health Administration • Los Angeles, CA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System is recruiting a Medical Instrument Technician (Gastroenterology) to work as a member of the Gastroenterology Procedure Team. The technician assists the care team during diagnostic examinations and medical treatment procedures that support patient diagnosis and treatment. The role is primarily responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during GI procedures and scope reprocessing.

The position follows a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; a compressed schedule is available. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-7, and applicants may be selected at GS-4 through GS-7. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. A 1- or 2-year trial period is required.

Requirements

• United States citizenship is required, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Applicants must meet the applicable GS grade qualifications: generally, one year of qualifying experience at the next lower grade, or specified education for GS-4 or GS-5; GS-6 and GS-7 require qualifying experience.
• GS-4 education alternative: two years of post-high-school education or an associate degree in a directly related field. Required competencies include basic medical terminology, ability to learn equipment operation and settings, recognize patient distress, learn procedure positioning, and communicate orally and in writing.
• GS-5 education alternative: four academic years of post-high-school education leading to a bachelor's degree with related coursework, or a relevant bachelor's degree. Required competencies include medical terminology, patient positioning, recognizing and reporting obvious abnormalities, operating equipment for standard procedures, and performing standard equipment maintenance.
• GS-6 competencies include setting up endoscopy equipment; assisting with routine colonoscopy and EGD procedures; knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy; explaining procedures and positioning patients; reprocessing specialty reusable medical equipment; using basic computer systems while following privacy and information-security policies; and cleaning equipment and surfaces, disposing of waste, and restocking supplies.
• GS-7 competencies include knowledge of endoscopic equipment, procedures, and GI anatomy and physiology; recognizing and reporting obvious abnormalities; assisting with specialized and complex procedures; following universal precautions and disinfection procedures; collaboration, communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills; using basic computer systems while following privacy and information-security policies; and delivering patient care including vital-sign measurements and medication administration.
• A pre-employment physical examination is required.
• Selected applicants are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment and must complete a background/security investigation.
• Applicants must complete the required application steps and online assessment, and selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification.
• Seasonal influenza vaccination is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Employees must serve a 1- or 2-year trial period and receive written certification to continue employment after the trial period.

Nice To Haves

• BLS certification is desirable at the GS-6 and GS-7 levels; certification is not required.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and coordinate special medical instrument technician GI-related procedures.
• Sterilize endoscopes, check scopes for leaks, and perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on equipment.
• Monitor each stage of GI procedures and anticipate the needs of the physician and/or registered nurse while maintaining concentration for extended periods.
• Position patients for examinations or treatments.
• Prepare procedure rooms for GI endoscopic procedures.
• Evaluate the function and calibration of monitoring equipment to help ensure patient stability during procedures.
• Maintain adequate supplies in endoscopy rooms, place orders, and follow up on deficient supplies or equipment.
• Use basic computer systems and programs to record patient and endoscopic data.
• At the GS-6 and GS-7 levels, set up endoscopy equipment, assist with routine and complex procedures, and reprocess and maintain reusable medical equipment according to procedures and precautions.
• At the GS-7 level, provide patient care including vital-sign measurements and medication administration.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on position type, and applicants are advised to contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree