Career Center

Summary

The incumbent of this position independently performs standard US body - small parts and limited vascular (DVT - carotid - AAA) examinations. These exams to be performed at a minimum 100% of the workweek. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures - and rearranges patients scheduled to accommodate them. Maintains records and files of patients examined. Performs research studies as approved by Chief of Radiology.

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
• Grandfathering Provision: 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: Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) - 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 a specialized experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge required to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: 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 diagnostic ultrasonography
• Knowledge of the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) and other regulatory requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels
• Ability to provide - or provide for - staff development and training
• Reference: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54 - PART II - APPENDIX G27
• 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
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Primary duties include - but are not limited to - the following: Advises radiologists or referring physicians 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 - and the retroperitoneal space to acquire high-quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders
• Participates in the training of physicians - students - and radiology technologists so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams
• Performs routine clerical procedures to maintain accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of 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 the operation of equipment to ensure accurate results
• Based on radiologic findings - determines the necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section
• May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations
• Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies
• Assists the radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures - aspiration biopsies - and catheter placements for diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques
• This requires the use of sterile surgical techniques - syringes - needles - contrast agents - and other medical supplies
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize delays of examinations
• These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation
• Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:00pm Telework: Not authorized
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 612 07533-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.