Duties

• Receives patients, confirm patient identification, obtain patient history, provide patient education, provide reassurance, and ensure patient comfort.
• Reviews exam requests for appropriateness before performing exams.
• Performs comprehensive diagnostic ultrasound exams in a variety of outpatient and inpatient settings.
• Applies knowledge of anatomy and organ systems to execute appropriate scanning protocols and to modify techniques as needed to optimally demonstrate normal anatomy and pathology.
• Supports image-guided procedures and facilitate timely review and scheduling of requested procedures.
• Supports ultrasound exams and ultrasound-guided procedures from the Women's Health Clinic and by other non-radiologist providers such as for thoracentesis, paracentesis, and percutaneous biopsy and drainage.
• Provides sonography students and residents with an affiliated program didactic and hands-on instruction, ensuring a positive learning experience.
• Registers exams, status track completed exams using compliant CPT coding.
• Applies infection control practices, both general medical center guidelines and those specific to ultrasound.
• Performs general maintenance on equipment such as warm-up and shutdown sequences, calibration, QC and basic troubleshooting.
• Assists in QA and QC data collection, and the development and updating of procedure manuals, training programs, new employee orientation materials, patient education materials and other written guidance.
• Initiates and participates in PI (Performance Improvement) activities using appropriate techniques and measures of improvement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Flexible part-time hours and will be discussed at interview.
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)/FS#00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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 examination.
• 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. NOTE: This applies to the past, current, and upcoming VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) only. HPT is an individual appointed to temporary positions in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or receiving VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC).

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.
• 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.

Grade Determinations:

GS-9 Experience: Candidates must have 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 Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities (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.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*). 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.

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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27 Medical Instrument Technician, Appendix C - Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound).

Physical Requirements: Routinely lift more than 50 pounds, push and pull, bend and stoop, and have full use of both hands, wrists and shoulders and standing for 80 percent of work shift.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

VA Health Professional Trainees (HPT) 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.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

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.

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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .