Summary

Position is located in the Imaging/Radiology Service at the W.G. Bill Hefner VA Medical Center. Performs diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body - including - but not limited to - the abdomen - pelvis - transvaginal - chest - small parts such as - thyroid - breast - & scrotum; performs vascular studies such as carotid - venous - renal artery - aortic aneurysm - ABI's - venous insufficiency - portal-systemic shunts - etc. - performs breast procedures such as breast biopsy - cyst aspiration.

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 Language Proficiency
• Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Chapter 2 - Section D - Paragraph 5a
• Education
• There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation
• Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-04 and GS-05 levels
• Foreign Education
• To be creditable - education completed outside the United States must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional United States programs
• Licensure or Certification
• Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation
• however - it is strongly desirable at GS-06 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge - skills - and abilities
• Preferred Candidates will hold ARDMS Credentialing
• 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 (Diagnostic Ultrasound)Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-08) - 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 specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services
• Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs 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 diagnostic ultrasonography
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels
• Ability to manage and supervise employees
• Ability to provide - or provide for - staff development and training
• Preferred Experience: At least 3 years US experience - with focus in performing diagnostic US exams on multiple areas of the body - including but not limited to - abdomen - pelvis - transvaginal - chest - small parts - thyroid - breast - and scrotum
• vascular studies such as vertebral - renal artery - aortic aneurysm - portal-systemic shunts - etc
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include moderate lifting and carrying - 15-44 pounds
• good dexterity - use of both hands and fingers required
• straight pulling and pushing
• pulling hand over hand
• reaching above shoulder
• both legs required
• prolonged walking - standing and repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
• both eyes required
• depth perception
• ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• speed in working
• emotional stability
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time
• (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Services)

Duties

• Duties include but may not be limited to the following: Advises Radiologists of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination
• Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen - neck - chest and extremities - retro peritoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders
• Performs ABI or Segmental Pressure studies
• Assists the radiologist with ultrasound guided procedures such as biopsies - paracentesis - thoracentesis - etc
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patient and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations
• These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephonic conversation
• Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the Radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams
• Assist Bio Med or service vendors with quality testing on the ultrasound unit using phantoms - test tools - test check list - etc
• for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment
• Incumbent is must be aware of the practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center - and participate in quality assurance activities as directed Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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
• 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)