The Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization) position is located within the Specialty Care Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas. Incumbents at this grade level functions proficiently in all aspects of the Cardiac Cath Lab.
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". 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-09 Medical Instrument Technician (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 possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of cardiac catheterization technician services. 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 the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. *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. Preferred Experience: 1-2 years experience in Cardiac Catheterization/Electrophysiology Lab Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for 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 employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include but are not limited to: Scrubs, circulates, and monitors advanced procedures (including electrophysiological) to include intravascular ultrasound, RADI or wave-wire, Angiojet, filter wires, permanent pacemaker insertions, ablations and AICD insertions. Possesses 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. Possesses 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. Possesses 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, Innova systems and MAC- Lab systems. Possesses 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. Communicates effectively and professionally with employees at the varying grade levels. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:45 am - 5:15 pm, with on call (subject to change based on agency need) Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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) 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 Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-01238-F