Clarification from the agency

The Public - US Citizens. *Veterans Preference does not apply to this announcement per OCHCO Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated September 30, 2022.

Videos

Vascular technologist in the Vascular Surgery Section of Surgical and Perioperative Care, whose function is independently to diagnose patients with suspected peripheral arterial and venous disease, oversee scheduling of patients for examination, and provide continuity of follow-up. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges the schedule to accommodate them. Maintains records of patients examined and keeps a record of the results of angiograms and other imaging studies to correlate with vascular laboratory results as part of the quality assurance program.

Functions

Advise vascular surgeons or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention.

• In the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory:
  • Measures peripheral blood pressures at rest and following the conduction of exercise treadmill testing or hallway walk using Doppler ultrasound and/or plethysmography.
  • Evaluates the extracranial carotid vascular system using duplex scanning and interpretation of spectral analysis.
  • Evaluates the abdominal and pelvic arterial system using duplex scanning and interpretation of spectral analysis.
  • Evaluates the lower extremity arterial system using duplex scanning and interpretation of spectral analysis.
  • Evaluates the status of the abdominal and pelvic deep venous system using duplex scanning. Results are used to rule out venous clots and determine what intervention and/or follow-up is necessary.
  • Evaluates the status of the lower extremity deep venous system using duplex scanning. Results are used to rule out venous clots and determine what intervention and/or follow-up is necessary.
  • Evaluates the upper extremity arterial system using duplex scanning and interpretation of real time spectral analysis.
  • Evaluates the status of the upper extremity deep venous system using duplex scanning. Results are used to rule out venous clots and determine what intervention and/or follow-up is necessary.
  • Performs upper extremity arterial blood pressure exams to test for arterial occlusive disease as well as digital arterial photo plethysmography with digital blood pressures, temperature measurement, and/or cold immersion test.
  • Evaluates the patency and caliber of upper and lower extremity superficial veins to determine their suitability for use as bypass conduits.
  • Performs duplex ultrasound of the upper and lower extremity arteries and veins, and Allen's test for preoperative planning of hemodialysis access.
  • Evaluates the function of existing hemodialysis access, including arteriovenous fistula, grafts, and associated stents and bypass grafts.
  • Evaluates arterial diameters in the abdomen and peripheral circulation to determine the presence or absence of aneurysms.
  • Uses duplex scanning to determine the patency of endovascular grafts, to rule out endoleaks, and to determine residual sac size of treated aneurysms.
  • Uses duplex scanning to determine the presence or absence of pseudoaneurysms.
  • Regularly checks the performance of equipment used in the evaluation of patients. Administers the quality control program for the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory.
  • Participates in the training of physicians, students and other technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of non-invasive vascular testing and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Trains and provides direction for other peripheral vascular technologists.
  • Is aware of and practices the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participates in quality assurance activities.
  • Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section.
  • Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies.
  • Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients is thoroughly understood.
  • Assists the vascular surgeons in the performance of injection of pseudoaneuryms.
• On hospital wards:
  • Measures peripheral blood pressures at rest of ankle/toes and arm/fingers using the pocket Doppler or plethysmography for patients who have had any kind of arterial reconstructive procedure.
• In the operating room:
  • Assists physicians by operating duplex scanner.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am-4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible: May be available
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact V20CompensationTeam@va.gov for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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. 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.
  • Vascular technicians or vascular sonographers operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as vascular blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation, and abdominal circulation. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International, (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT).Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition.

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 position to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform routine, standardized vascular ultrasound procedures where the technician is not expected to deviate from established procedures.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Ability to perform standardized, routine vascular ultrasound procedures and/or examinations of upper and lower extremity, abdominal, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular vessels.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location and function of major body organs and structures as they relate to vascular ultrasonography.
3. Ability to prepare preliminary reports from the examination including documentation of procedural difficulties in the medical record.

Certification: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable.

Assignment: Assignments at this level are characterized by the performance of routine, standardized vascular ultrasound procedures and techniques in accordance with instructions.

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 demonstrates that the technician has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform complex procedures requiring the ability to select appropriate equipment based on symptomology and the objective of the examination and the ability to adapt procedures and techniques to enhance diagnostic results.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Ability to perform noninvasive vascular ultrasound procedures or examinations of upper and lower extremity, abdominal, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular vessels which require adaptation of procedures or instruments.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location and function of major body organs and structures as they relate to vascular ultrasonography. This would also include knowledge of physiological influences on the hemodynamics of blood flow.
3. Knowledge of pharmacology and chemistry to understand drug reactions, action, effects, and method of administration specifically related to vascular ultrasonography.
4. Knowledge of disease entities that impact the vascular system and their influence on the test results to select the appropriate procedures.
5. Ability to obtain a patient history and perform and appropriate physical assessment based on patient presentation and type of exam to include observation, inspection, auscultation, and palpation.

Certification: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.

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 position to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform noninvasive vascular ultrasound procedures as a senior technician.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of cross-sectional and longitudinal vascular anatomy in normal and abnormal vessels, anatomical planes and tissue structures, physiologic effects of disease entities that impact the vascular system, signs and symptoms of acute and chronic vascular disease, and the characteristic appearance of aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, thromboses, stenoses, occlusions, AV fistulae, and morphology of atherosclerotic plaque formulation.
2. Ability to provide Doppler information of peripheral vessels; demonstrate characteristic differences related to the organs they supply; accurately quantify carotid artery stenoses; and identify and correlate specific waveform analysis, plethysmographic tracings, velocity changes, and pressure gradients characteristic of normal, obstructed, or occluded vessels or grafts.
3. Ability to perform intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations.
4. Ability to operate the instruments to extract the highest quality image utilizing the appropriate transducer frequency, Doppler angle, focal zones, gain, depth, color map, wall filter, and sample volume.
5. Ability to provide objective data to document progression or regression of disease.

Certification: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable.

References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27

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: This work requires moderate lifting (15-44lbs), light lifting (under 15lbs), moderate carrying, light carrying, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13"to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, and mental and emotional stability. Environmental factors are working outside and inside, constant noise, working closely with others, and working alone.

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, resume, 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.