Duties

Summary

This position is located within the Imaging Service at the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS), Baltimore Campus

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Responsibilities

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Ultrasound performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician and/or supervisory technologist. The sonographer is regarded as an expert source for all ultrasound imaging and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers providing final interpretation. Performs picture archival duties, captures, configures, verifies images before transfer to PACS system. Experience in PACS software is required. Performs QA of ultrasound scanning equipment, TV, and video monitor, videotape machines, and cameras. Performs preventative maintenance as required. Incumbents at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in specialized area of radiologic technology.

Other duties include, but are not limited to:

• Performs in a hospital setting all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. The spectrum of examination performed includes abdomen for tumors, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions, such as pancreatitis, and sizes of organs and their location, evaluations of abdominal aorta for aneurysm and/or dissection. Responsible for obtaining pertinent diagnostic examination through knowledge of both normal and abnormal human anatomy.
• Performs the ultrasound scanning portion of percutaneous punctures and biopsies, as well as localizing fluid levels.
• Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. This includes: preparation and supplies, scanning motions, TCG (Time Compensated Gain), zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture-oriented examination, organ-oriented examination and initial interpretation the examination. Interpreting the examination requires identifying normal and pathologic appearances. Pathologic appearance includes: intraluminal echoes that shadow, polyp, carcinoma, thick wall, size, obstructing lesions, common duct stone, tumor, benign strictures, texture, solid mass, cystic mass, to name just a few. Initial interpretation will be forward by the ultrasound technologist to the radiology before final interpretation is made.
• Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction, and diffraction. Selects between non-focused, fixed-focus, linear phased array, and annular phased array.
• Advises radiologist or referring physician of results of exams.
• Receives and identifies patients, explains methods of procedures, assists movement of patients to and from wheelchairs, carts and tables, positions the patient and performs examinations requested. Coordinates and performs all examination scheduling. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them. Maintains record of patients treated, exams performed, scans taken, etc.
• Maintains a quality assurance program of all ultrasound scanning equipment, TV, and video monitor, videotape machines, and cameras. Performs preventative maintenance as required.
• Will provide performance-related information to Supervisory Radiologic Technologist relating to work and workload data of the Ultrasound section. Maintains records of patients treated, exams performed, scans taken, and technical data used.
• Perform other related duties as deemed necessary, such as, but not limited to, answering telephones, scheduling patients, inventories, film filing, film retrieval, room utilization, processor and equipment maintenance records, reject analysis, and productivity studies.
• Required to remain certified with their registry and be current in continuing education requirements. Incumbent reviews textbooks, medical and technical journals, and attends continuing education seminars to improve and develop new methodologies and technologies. As an affiliate of a radiology program, technologist may be required to participate in clinical training of new students and radiological technologists.

Duty Station: Baltimore
Work Schedule: Negotiable
Telework: Not approved
Bargaining Unit: This position is a Bargaining Unit position

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
9

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements :

Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)

Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.

Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).

Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.

Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Scope of the examination: The examination will be concerned with the mental and physical ability of the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the proposed assignment and will include requisite laboratory and other screening as required by Federal regulatory agencies.

English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

GS-9 DRT Grade Determination :

(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 08), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities at the GS 08 level are, but not limited to:

a. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
b. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
c. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results
d. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed e. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family visitors, and volunteers
f. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest

(2) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

(a) Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS 09. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

a. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
b. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
c. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
d. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
e. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
f. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Ultrasound (Diagnostic/Vascular Sonography). 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 imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. Within this specialization, there is a diverse range of ultrasound imaging sub-specialties. These include: 1) diagnostic medical sonography - abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic, [musculoskeletal (MSK), a breast; and 2) vascular sonography-arterial and venous doppler, spectral analysis, and calculating ankle brachial index (ABI)].

References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, dated 12/13/2019.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 09 to GS 09.

Physical Requirements: The technologist will perform Imaging studies using the Ultrasound equipment. The technologist will be required to make trips to the patient waiting room, in order to call the patient for their exam. There may be some standing, bending, and carrying of light items, such as carrying paperwork. Patients may need to be transferred from stretcher or wheelchair to the Ultrasound table. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

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: 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

RESUME REMINDER: Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:

Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)

Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search .

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx .

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.