Medical Instrument Technician (EEG)

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. 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-8 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 [" 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: 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 VHA.ELRSProgramS 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 (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. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]