Clarification from the agency

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN TO CURRENT PERMANENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND THE PUBLIC. VETERANS PREFERENCE IS WAIVED FOR THIS OCCUPATIONAL SERIES IAW HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT LETTER (HRML) 05-19-12. Area of Consideration is as follows: 1. The first area of consideration will be current permanent facility employees, second consideration will be permanent VA employees, the third will be all other current permanent federal employees, the last area of consideration will be all other US Citizens.

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The incumbent is responsible for:
1. Sets up exam room, assuring supplies, medical equipment, transducers, and other required materials are present, clean, and operable.
2. Performs correct exam on properly identified patient accurately and completely including a detailed worksheet
3. Uses two patient identifiers to assess the correct identity of patients and compares the information on paperwork with information input into electronic systems (machine/PACS/EMR)
4. Reviews clinical order information to effectively implement imaging protocols and will resolve discrepancies with Radiologist
5. Adapts testing system to provide precise imaging per examination protocols.
6. Reviews images prior to release to Radiologist for interpretation
7. Assures patient comfort by providing: instructions, procedure information, answers to questions, clean gowns, blankets, ear protection, and assistance within the examination environment.
8. Communicate examination preparation instructions to patients when scheduling and assess patient preparation for exam when registering patients at the time of their examination.
9. Use modern technical ultrasound equipment to produces diagnostic images for clinical assessment of different anatomical parts and vasculature such as: brain, liver, spleen, kidneys, spine, lungs, aorta, extremities, renal arteries, gynecological structures, testicles, etc. Use correct anatomical reference points and recognize physical abnormalities associated with the areas of the body.
10. Independently makes standard examination.
11. Possesses advanced knowledge of uses safe practices to ensure patient safety and a safe working environment. Adheres to all safety precautions associated with the field of imaging examinations and equipment.
12. Examines patients using a variety of ultrasound modalities in accordance with clinical protocols in order to properly complete the ordered exam.
13. Applies knowledge of aspects of physics, including the concepts of energy, sound decibels and wavelengths, type of electrical power, type of electrical circuits, machine software, and equipment probes to operate and monitor the equipment for ideal performance. Uses preset protocols and applies manual over-ride procedures as needed to provide the best possible diagnostic images.
14. Follows department policies and procedures to record useful and pertinent data gathered during the patient encounter/exam.
15. Monitors daily workload to assure timely transmission of images for interpretation
16. Participates in collecting data for and reporting on quality indicators when requested
17. Communicates professionally with the Radiologist (team) in accordance with department policies and procedures to exchange data/details about each case as appropriate.
18. Follows department policies and procedures to record, save, and access images in the host organization's picture archiving and communications system (PACS) to ensure permanent storage in host organization's electronic health record (EHR).
19. When required, the MIT-Diagnostic Ultrasound Tech is also responsible for transferring images and results/reports from the host organization's PACS and EHR to the VA's PACS and EHR.
20. Coordinates imaging work through multiple interconnected computer systems including electronic medical records (CHCS/VISTA), imaging software (PACS), machine applications software, scanner, etc.
21. Record and retrieve information from the order/EMR, determine technical factors, positioning, time period required, etc., to accurately and completely satisfy the requirements of the examination.
22. Maintains professional patient care within standards by monitoring patient condition(s) and comfort level throughout the exam.
23. Evaluates images while exam is in progress to determine if additional images are needed to include a thorough review of any areas indicating possible abnormalities.
24. Document and communicate findings in accordance with department policies and procedures.
25. Notifies the Radiologist of significant findings requiring immediate attention as soon as reasonably possible in accordance with department policies and procedures.
26. Performs appropriate and timely quality control of equipment. Ensures regular maintenance is performed. Recognizes when equipment may be malfunctioning or not performing to standards. Reports any suspected equipment problems in accordance with department policies and procedures.
27. Performs and documents maintenance on imaging equipment according to established procedures and schedules.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Variable to meet mission needs; Includes On-Call Rotation Requirement
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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, 07/31/2020.
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.

Preferred Experience:
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is desirable.

Grade Determinations:
GS-6:
Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
1. Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to receive and interpret physician requests for routine, standardized ultrasonography procedures.
2. Knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body to adjust TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality.
3. Knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties.
4. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for standardized, routine procedures.
5. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure.

GS-7:
Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized diagnostic ultrasonography examinations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for more complex, but standardized procedures.
2. Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler.
3. Knowledge of the digital transmission of images.
4. Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations.

GS-8:
Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, Appendix C; Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound).

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8.

Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a clinic/hospital environment. The work requires heavy lifting, 45 lbs. and over; heavy carrying, 45 lbs. and over; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (2 hrs.); standing (4 hrs.); repeated bending (8 hrs.); both legs required; specific visual requirement (computer screen); hearing (aid permitted). The incumbent must have mental and emotional stability. The incumbent works closely with others to include patients and staff.

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.

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.