Lead Medical Instrument Tech (Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician)

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.

01Basic 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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. [No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English].

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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations".

For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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).

02Grade Determinations

GS-9: Positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments.

03Experience

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.

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. 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. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory diagnostic ultrasound technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level.

The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 level and make a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level.

04Preferred 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

05Physical Requirements

There is a combination of potentially extended periods of standing, walking, and lifting of items weighing up to 20 pounds such as portable grids, x-ray cassettes, computer paper boxes, etc. Incumbent must be able to travel to the distinct treatment areas with ease.

Duties include but not limited to: Performs a full range of ultrasound procedures including special complicated examinations for which there may not be standard instructions or procedures. Perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. Work schedule to include on-call, holidays, and weekends.

Examinations to include, but not limited to abdomen, kidneys, aorta, pelvis, upper and lower extremities, scrotum, abdomen doppler, thyroid, and vascular exams to include DVT studies. Perform complex examinations, treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures to new and established technicians. Assist in developing and/or updating protocols and processes that pertain to diagnostic ultrasound.

Participates in orientation and evaluation of new and established technicians. Develop and maintain call schedule for supervisory approval. Organize staff work assignments, including lunch and break rotations. Report absences and tardiness to the Supervisory Medical Instrument Technician and/or Technical Director. Reviews and verifies pending list to ensure proper triage of orders and notifies supervisor and/or scheduler of noncompliance. Works closely with MSA Schedulers to optimize the Ultrasound schedule always.

Records and processes images for interpretation by a staff Radiologist or resident. Alerts Radiologist of emergent or abnormal findings and forwards initial interpretation of findings to Radiologist for final interpretation. Receives and identifies patients, explains methods and purpose of examinations, assists movement of patients. Coordinate and/or assist with transportation of patient to and from the Ultrasound department.

Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to complete these examinations first. Maintains inventory of necessary supplies and initiates procedures to replenish stock items as necessary. Submits necessary work orders for upkeep and repairs of equipment and work requests. May assist radiologist in the performance of biopsy guided procedures, such as fluid aspiration and tissue samples for diagnostic treatments.

Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients to include patient electronic records, exam requisitions, and registering and/or editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS) and the sending/retrieving of images in the Picture Archiving Computer System (P ACS). Perform other related duties as necessary. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, schedule may vary based on agency needs. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 60429F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized.