Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization)

The Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is seeking a Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization). This position will be located in Houston, TX. Current, permanent VA employees, or Federal employees from other federal agency, should apply under CBST-12358231-24-LDD. 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. English Language Proficiency : Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 § 7403(f). 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. Grade Determinations : GS-9 Medical Instrument (Cardiac Catheterization)In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would be experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to fully perform all vascular ultrasound tests and examinations and to function as a technical director of the vascular laboratory and provide oversight and / or guidance to other technicians. 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, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 1. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols, that pertain to vascular ultrasonography.
• 2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• 4. Ability to manage and supervise employees.
• 5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Preferred Experience : Cath Lab experience is preferred but not required. References : VA Handbook 5005 / 15, Part II Appendix G-[27], Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements : Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employ (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). [" The Cardiac Cath Lab Technician executes position responsibilities and demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to managing complex systems including the following. Other duties may be assigned : Ability to scrub, circulate, and monitor advanced procedures (including electrophysiological) to include intravascular ultrasound, RADI or wave-wire, Angiojet, filter wires, permanent pacemaker insertions, ablations and AICD insertions. Advanced knowledge of equipment, medications, and supplies used in the Cardiac Cath Lab and the ability to set-up, calibrate, operate, and troubleshoot this equipment. Knowledge and understanding of waveforms from the great vessels and all chambers of the heart including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal, artifact from abnormality, and forewarn the physician of an impending life threatening situation. Knowledge of quality control and performance improvement indicators for the Cardiac Cath Lab and ability to prepare and analyze quality control of test results. Stocks rooms and monitors inventory PAR levels and notify to re-order. Checks expiration dates of lab stock weekly. Assists with patient transport to and from Cath Lab. Enters data in daily log and enters event captures and prosthetic charges. Sets up for procedures including ACIST power injector, lnnova systems and MACLab systems. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedure and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects and to write policies, procedures and protocols that pertain to the Cardiac Cath Lab. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at the varying grade levels. The Cardiac Cath Lab Technician cannot : a. Manipulate guidewires, catheters, etc. inside the patient's body b. Inject dye or any other fluid inside the patient's body c. Suture pockets, sheaths, etc. Work Schedule : 6 : 15am-5 : 15 pm, 8 : 30am-7 : 00pm, or 9 : 30am-8 : 00 rotating; On-call Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus) : Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) : Not Authorized 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 (13-26 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 $ 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. Functional Statement # : 580-00238-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report : Not required"]