The Ultrasound Technician operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist professional is responsible for the performance and coordination of all Ultrasound examinations. The purpose of these exams is to perform diagnostic and/or therapeutic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be rendered to the patient. 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. 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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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 GS-8, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and 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 and fully perform all vascular ultrasound tests and examinations and to function as a technical director of the vascular laboratory and provide oversight and/or guidance to other technicians. Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition experience, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk(*): 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/vascular 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. Preferred Experience: 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. In accordance with Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages dated September 30, 2022; Medical Instrument Technicians, 0649 (all specializations are included) are not subject to Veterans Preference. This will continue until September 30, 2023. Veterans Preference will not be collected for this public announcement. ["Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Performs in a hospital setting all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Responsible for obtaining pertinent diagnostic examinations through knowledge of both normal and abnormal human anatomy. Responsible for obtaining and reporting to the radiologist any pertinent history relevant to the examination, including pertinent negatives. Performs a wide range of Diagnostic Abdominal Ultrasound examinations including but not limited to the: liver, gallbladder and remainder of the hepatobiliary tree, pancreas, appendix, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, aorta, inferior vena cava, portal vein, Doppler studies of blood flow to and from the major organs, including imaging of the scrotum and testicles, evaluation for abnormal masses or fluid, comprehensive evaluation of renal or liver transplants, evaluation of functional integrity of TIPS shunts, and localizes areas for needle biopsy or fluid aspiration (avoiding direction of the needle across important structures such as the lung base or GI tract, aorta, etc.). Performs Vascular Ultrasound examinations with Doppler interrogation, using both color and quantitative spectral duplex Doppler, including but not limited to the common, internal and external carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries (and, if indicated, subclavian and innominate arteries to exclude subclavian steal), venous imaging of upper and lower extremities, arterial imaging of the upper and lower extremities, vascular graft scanning for patency and stenosis, shunt scanning, venous mapping on both upper and lower extremities, and Ankle Brachia! Index (ABI). treadmill examinations for peripheral arterial insufficiency evaluation. Maintains effective control of the Ultrasound area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the daily work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments. 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. Has a thorough knowledge of all Ultrasound procedures and examinations and keeps abreast of technological advances in the field of Ultrasound and incorporates these advances into new examination procedures and in-service educational programs for the radiology technical staff. Properly identifies patient images and exams. Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's age, individual medical conditions, variations in human anatomy (normal and pathological) and body habitus. Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the procedure to be performed. Knowledge of basic nursing practices and first aid as related to ultrasound including: emergency cardiac arrest procedures, principles of hypodermic, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injections and sterile operating procedures. And performs other duties pertaining to patient care as required. Assists radiologists and other non-radiologic physicians during ultrasound guided biopsies, drainages, and aspirations and in timed Doppler studies involving blood flow to the penis. Notifies Radiologist immediately when scans require attention such as ER exams or exams with unexpected or potentially dangerous conditions (e.g. leaking aneurysm, venous thrombosis, critical carotid stenosis, etc.). May perform other related duties as deemed necessary such as, hut not limited to, answering telephones, scheduling patients, protocoling outpatient orders, ultrasound supply inventories, room utilization, and equipment maintenance records and basic room cleanliness and orderliness. Incumbent is required to participate in an active on-call schedule on a regular basis. Independently adds patients onto the daily schedule. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday with rotating shifts Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized EDRP Authorized: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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