Summary Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The practitioner must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. Responsibilities Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Manage and supervise employees if required. Conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. Perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum. Perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. Assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. Assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest, and extremities, retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high-quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Advises radiologists of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Participates in the training of physicians, students, and radiology technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to ensure accurate results. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends developments that would improve the operation of the section to the supervisor. Responsible for the quality and quantity of sonographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of images while minimizing the need for repeats or recalls. Incorporates technological advances in the radiology field into in-service education programs for the nursing and physician staff. Explains exams to competent patients in terms that the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam. Work Schedule: Various tours to include days, swings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 593-00669-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). 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 chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Certification:. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 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 the knowledge, skills, and abilities to fully perform all vascular ultrasound tests and examinations and to function as a technical director of the vascular laboratory and provide oversight and/or guidance to other technicians. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (). 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 vascular 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. Assignment For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and a range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. 1. Special Assignments Non-supervisory vascular technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for this GS-9 level and make a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level. 2. Lead Vascular Technician In certain programs, either because of their size and scope or because of a lack of specific supervisory positions, lead positions may be appropriate. 3. Supervisory Vascular Technician. Individuals in this assignment assume full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the work of subordinate technicians. Typically, these duties include assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff; providing Vascular Sonography services in more complex cases; reviewing and making recommendations regarding new and emerging procedures; providing instruction and training to new staff; interviewing candidates for positions; recommending selections, advancements, promotions; evaluating performance; taking disciplinary action when necessary; and identifying educational or training needs. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54, PART II, APPENDIX G27. MEDICAL INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATION STANDARD, GS-649, Veterans Health Administration, June 7, 2012. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Stand and walk for approximately 85% of work time may be required. Reach at or above shoulder level intermittently for at least 90% of work time. Must be able to maintain a prolonged arm position necessary for scanning. Must be able to lift 45 lbs. unassisted. Must be able to transport, move, and/or lift patients from a wheelchair or stretcher to ultrasound table or patient bed, and physically assist patients into proper positions for examination. Must be able to move, adjust, and manipulate a variety of ultrasound equipment weighing up to 500 lbs. (on wheels) to other areas of a facility in order to perform studies according to established standards. Education There is no educational substitution for this grade level. Additional Information 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.
