Summary

Independently performs Diagnostic Ultrasounds and Vascular Ultrasounds - and schedules patients for examinations. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures - and rearranges patients scheduled to accommodate them. Advises interpreting physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.

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
• Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written 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-09 (a) 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
• The KSAs at the GS-08 level include: 1
• Ability to 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
• 2
• Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral - renal artery - aortic aneurysm - portal-systemic shunts - etc
• 3
• Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location - depth - and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled
• and 4
• Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations
• This would be specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services
• 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
• KSAs 1 - 2 - and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level
• KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment
• 1
• 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
• *2
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements
• 3
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels
• *4
• Ability to manage and supervise employees
• *5
• Ability to provide - or provide for - staff development and training
• Certification
• Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable
• Preferred Experience: 1
• Experience in Diagnostic Ultrasound preferred
• 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-09
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - pulling - and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
• However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This is an open continuous announcement until September 30 - 2026
• Qualified applicants will be considered/referred on a not less than bi-weekly basis
• Duties include - but are not limited to the following: Advises radiologists or referring physician 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
• Participates in the training of physicians - students - and radiology technologist so that these individuals may acquire understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams
• Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall patient examinations may be achieved
• This requires maintaining a diagnostic log - patient schedule log - and procedure log - editing and when necessary - registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS)
• Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results
• Based on radiologic findings - determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section
• Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations
• Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well do any requirements of the patients is thoroughly understood
• This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained in an effort to get diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders
• Gathers related information such as electronic medical record in CPRS - previous imaging exams out of Vista imaging so that correlation of examinations to other studies may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders
• Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation often exams
• This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely manner
• Assists quality assurance technologists in performing quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit using phantoms - test tools - test check lists - etc
• for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment
• Maintains records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be necessary on a weekly basis
• Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary
• This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the ultrasound area - there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions
• Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday - 7:30 am - 4:00 pm - plus call (Subject to change based on the needs of the facility) 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 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
• Functional Statement #: 586-01095F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized