Summary This position is located at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a complexity level 1A facility, in the Acute Nursing Outpatient Division, in the Medicine Specialty Clinics, Neurology. The incumbent functions as a Medical Instrument Technician, Electroencephalograph (EEG). The Electroencephalograph Technician operates the electroencephalograph and other devices such as evoked potential equipment to record the electrical activity of the brain. Responsibilities This is an Open Continuous Announcement (OCA). Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. First review of applicants will occur in one week on 8/7/2024. You will be notified when your application has been referred to selecting officials. Major Duties Administers EEG diagnostics to patients and is responsible for proper set up of the equipment, test administration and patient care during the testing procedure. Performs a full range of EEG examinations including complex/advanced awake and sleep recordings; nerve conduction studies using electromyogphy equipment. Performs recordings for interpretation and performs a preliminary review and interpretation of the recordings. Assists physicians performing nerve conduction studies, including patient preparation, and inputting of results. Complies with all safety and emergency procedures in the administration of EEG diagnostics. Insures that machines used in the testing procedures (both EEG and EMG) are maintained and working appropriately. Schedules patients utilizing the scheduling software package for patients requiring EEG's. Monitors patients during EEG diagnostics and assists physicians in the monitoring of patients having EMG diagnostics. Documents patient results in EEG and EMG software packages and insures that results are also recorded into CPRS. Assists patients in positioning for tests. Assists Nurses and Physicians in other clinical duties as assigned. Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately Work Schedule: Monday -Friday tour start/end varies 0800-1730 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 $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 Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. 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 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: Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English. 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-06 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-5) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics as an EEG Tech Trainee. This experience may include operating and monitoring commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision; functioning somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity; and if there are deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations you refer to the supervisor for a decision or help. You operate the electroencephalograph and other devices such as evoked potential equipment to record the electrical activity of the brain. In addition, must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic medical terminology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and EEG interpretation. Ability to position patients for the examination or treatment including using standard alternate positions for patient with common physical disabilities. Ability to operate the appropriate EEG equipment to administer routine, standardized diagnostic or treatment procedures. Knowledge of normal and abnormal results to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures. Knowledge of universal precautions and basic sterilization methods to clean instruments to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Knowledge of EEG and peripheral equipment to conduct routine maintenance and adjustment checks. GS-07 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-6) which demonstrates the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and other characteristics as an EEG Tech. This would be experience which provided you with the KSAs to independently conduct difficult but standardized electroencephalography examinations. In addition, must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to perform more complex electroencephalography studies such as evoked potential (visual, auditory, somatosensory) and transcranial Doppler studies. Knowledge of medication effects related to electroencephalography studies and clinical situations requiring medication. Knowledge of life threatening or medically emergent testing or patient situations. Ability to recognize artifacts (patient or environmental) and document, eliminate, or take proper measures to monitor the artifact. GS-08 Experience: . At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade (GS-7) 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, must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Preferred Experience: The preferred candidate is one with BCLS and or ACLS as well as Registration. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27 & F. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion. It involves walking, frequent bending and pushing and pulling wheelchairs, stretchers or other equipment and assisting patients to and from the exam table. Duties require above average dexterity. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. 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 fully vaccinated 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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.