Supervisor Medical Instrument Technician (GI)
- Assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff; resolving problems which may interfere with patient examination or treatment; providing MIT/GI services in more complex and non-standard cases; evaluating new products and equipment and making recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations; participating as an instructor in the facilities clinical training program; making final decisions and clinical determinations based on collaboration with clinical colleagues; evaluating performance; taking disciplinary action when necessary; identifying and facilitating educational or training needs.
- Collaborating with Chief of GI and Nurse Manager to manage fiscal matters including forecasting resource and equipment needs, as well as fiscally responsible supervision and management of staffing resources and fiscal matters.
- Performs as a responsible member of the GI Department team and interacts with patients, family members, professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services, incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. The SMIT/GI has full knowledge of GI policies and procedures and a basic knowledge of GI Anatomy to prepare, and care for patients in the GI procedure area.
- Responsible for the procedure room set-up and tear-down, specimen collection and assisting the doctors and nurses during endoscopy procedures. Room set-up involves choosing appropriate scope and accessories for the upcoming case, assuring they are properly connected to processors, and stocking the room so all needed supplies are at hand and the case funs smoothly. During cases the technician will be available and trained to assist with accessories and endoscopic treatment and interventions. After the case and the patient has been moved to recovery, the SMIT/GI will assure the appropriate initial pre-cleaning, cleaning, high level disinfection, and storage of endoscopes and accessory equipment. The SMIT/GI prepares the endoscopy suite for the next procedure, restocking as needed. While assisting in Endoscopy Procedure Rooms, the SMIT/GI Technician will be responsible for administering intraoperative agents under the guidance of licensed physicians authorized to administer medications and prepared by a LIP (Licensed Independent Practitioner) or RN (Registered Nurse) prior to administration. The SMIT/GI Technician is required to complete assigned TMS for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Modules as well as obtain yearly competency training.
- Collecting, processing, labeling, and transporting specimens; trains other technicians in basic and advanced endoscopic procedures; competently works in and outside the GI unit offering technician support during emergent and on-call endoscopic cases; and assists the nurse in patient care duties such as obtaining vital signs, reporting changes in clinical statues, and documenting all pertinent information in the patient's records. The SMIT/GI assures procedure reports are completed and documented in CPRS as soon as possible after interpretation. They inventory and maintain par levels of specialty equipment for the endoscopy unit. The SMIT/GI will reprocess and maintain specialty critical reusable medical equipment (RME), following approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and universal precautions.
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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- 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
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 not be substituted for experience at this level.
- 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".
For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. - Grandfathering Provision: The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 Hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation.
Grade Determinations GS-9 Supervisory GI Technician:
(a) 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 advanced specialized gastroenterology procedures. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Advanced knowledge of complex gastroenterology procedures, such as ERCP with spy glass, ablation procedures, mucosal resection procedures, fine needle aspiration procedures and capsule studies.
*2. Ability to provide briefings and orientations, staff development and training to hospital staff including physicians.
*3. Knowledge of professional, legal, and ethical standards inherent to patient safety and rights.
*4. Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of integrated treatment and examination programs.
*5. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations.
*6. Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget.
*7. Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluation; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions.
(c) Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have SGNA core level one and two certifications (BLS and ACLS).
d) Assignment: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Individuals at this level plan and direct programs at affiliated medical centers and their satellite outpatient clinics and have full supervisory responsibility for a large staff of non-supervisory personnel. Typically these duties include assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff; resolving problems which may interfere with patient examination or treatment; providing GI Technician services in more complex and non-standard cases; evaluating new products and equipment and making recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations; participating as an instructor in the facility's clinical training program; making final decisions on selections based on recommendations from subordinate supervisors or leads; evaluating performance; taking disciplinary action when necessary; and identifying educational or training needs.
Preferred Experience: Preferred BLS, one year supervisory experience, sterile processing experience, Endoscopy procedural experience.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .
This position is above full performance.
Physical Requirements: are but not limited to, visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The SMIT/GI may be exposed to blood borne pathogens, body fluids, and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing (including radioactive protective lead aprons) in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The SMIT/GI may be exposed to chemicals during the reprocessing of equipment. The SMIT/GI may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. They SMIT/GI must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.
Education
There is no education substitution at this grade level.
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.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
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 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be 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.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .
- Benefits
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. .
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.
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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- 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
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 not be substituted for experience at this level.
- 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".
For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. - Grandfathering Provision: The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 Hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation.
Grade Determinations GS-9 Supervisory GI Technician:
(a) 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 advanced specialized gastroenterology procedures. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Advanced knowledge of complex gastroenterology procedures, such as ERCP with spy glass, ablation procedures, mucosal resection procedures, fine needle aspiration procedures and capsule studies.
*2. Ability to provide briefings and orientations, staff development and training to hospital staff including physicians.
*3. Knowledge of professional, legal, and ethical standards inherent to patient safety and rights.
*4. Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of integrated treatment and examination programs.
*5. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations.
*6. Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget.
*7. Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluation; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions.
(c) Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have SGNA core level one and two certifications (BLS and ACLS).
d) Assignment: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Individuals at this level plan and direct programs at affiliated medical centers and their satellite outpatient clinics and have full supervisory responsibility for a large staff of non-supervisory personnel. Typically these duties include assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff; resolving problems which may interfere with patient examination or treatment; providing GI Technician services in more complex and non-standard cases; evaluating new products and equipment and making recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations; participating as an instructor in the facility's clinical training program; making final decisions on selections based on recommendations from subordinate supervisors or leads; evaluating performance; taking disciplinary action when necessary; and identifying educational or training needs.
Preferred Experience: Preferred BLS, one year supervisory experience, sterile processing experience, Endoscopy procedural experience.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .
This position is above full performance.
Physical Requirements: are but not limited to, visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The SMIT/GI may be exposed to blood borne pathogens, body fluids, and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing (including radioactive protective lead aprons) in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The SMIT/GI may be exposed to chemicals during the reprocessing of equipment. The SMIT/GI may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. They SMIT/GI must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs.
Education
There is no education substitution at this grade level.
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.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
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 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be 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.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .