CHA Career Center

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Physical Requirements. Pre-employment physical and drug screening. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians 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-9 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 specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. 4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Position requires long periods of standing and walking, some bending, lifting and carrying of moderately heavy items. Requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Ability to reach above shoulder required. Both hands and use of fingers required. Must be able to lift, carry and move heavy equipment/patients routinely. ["Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The Ultrasonographer must be competent in 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 sonographer in providing final interpretation. Within the specialization there is a diverse range of ultrasound imaging sub-specialties. These include: 1) diagnostic medical sonography abdominal, neurologic, small parts, and gynecologic; 2) vascular technology vascular and related organs. Incumbents at this grade level have knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write protocols that pertain to diagnostic ultrasonography Functions: The MIT coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity, and initiative in the application of non-ionizing high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease in the clinic or on the inpatient unit. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or inability to perform each scan. 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 annual phased array MIT sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Receives and identifies patients, explains methods of procedures, assists movement of patients to and from wheelchairs, carts and tables, positions the patient and performs examination requested. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them. The incumbent performs ultrasonography studies, records as well as prepares the processed media for interpretation by Staff Radiologist. MIT will maintain records of patients in the Vista radiology package. MIT schedules and prepares patient for exams and explains procedures to patient white performing the studies. MIT obtains pertinent diagnostic examinations for the physician, which may be necessary for correlation between the ultrasound scan and the clinical history. MIT performs diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum. MIT routinely performs vascular studies carotid duplex, ABI, arterial duplex, venous duplex, renal artery duplex and visceral vascular exams of the abdomen. Regularly performs preoperative upper and lower extremity vein mappings, as well as chronic venous insufficiency studies. MIT assists radiologist with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. MIT assists in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. This requires performance and knowledge of sterile technique and strict enforcement. Perform Other Duties as Assigned. Work Schedule: Full Time. Variable schedule according to the needs of the Service Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact visn5edrpcoordinators@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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