Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to US Citizens. Current permanent Birmingham VA employees will be given priority consideration.

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Technicians at this level functions proficiently in all aspects of the Cardiac Cath Lab. They scrub, circulate, monitor, and operate equipment on the most complex examination and treatment procedures including intra-aortic balloon pump therapy for critical ill patients. They assure medications are properly labeled and available for physician administration. They have a functional knowledge of the cardiac medications use, appropriate doses, and side effects. They assist with training and mentoring other technicians, nurses, nursing students, and cardiology fellows. They assist the cardiology manager with quality control and performance improvement activities. They work with physician to complete both diagnostic and interventional invasive cardiac procedures including: LHC, RHC, PTCAs, Stent placement, IABP, IVUS, pressure wires, percardiocentesis, temporary pacemakers, radial artery procedures, peripheral procedures, permanent pacemaker placement and AICD placement. Monitors the progression of procedures requiring independent judgment and anticipate need to provide specific instrument and/or catheters. The Cardiac Cath Lab Technician has the intimate knowledge of vascular and coronary anatomy and physiology related to cardiovascular function. They are. responsible for adhering to all departmental, service, hospital, agency, and national regulations and policies. The incumbent works in the Cardiology Section of PCS in the BV AMC operating medical diagnostic equipment.

The duties and responsibilities of the Cardiac Catheterization Technician include but are not limited to the following:

• Knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and basic electrocardiography.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques, catheterization laboratory supplies, and equipment used in the procedures.
• Ability to circulate, assist monitor, and document hemodynamics and electrocardiograms during the procedure.
• Knowledge of and ability to prepare intra-aortic balloon catheters.
• Ability to assist with insertion of temporary transvenous pacemaker catheters.
• Ability to maintain intra-aortic balloon pump equipment during procedures.
• Ability to complete individual cases by pulling sheaths and holding pressure to obtain hemostasis.
• Ability to assist with closure devices.
• Ability to appropriately educate patients and patient families regarding procedures and post-catheterization care.
• Ability to balance the needs of the patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous skills, and universal precautions.
• Knowledgeable in pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.
• Must be flexible regarding hours of duty, including on-call, late cases/recoveries, and activation for emergent cases.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: FS0010
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

NOTIFICATIONS:

• This position is a Bargaining Unit position.
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.
• Veterans' preference does not apply for current permanent Federal agency employees.

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.
• 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

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.
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R).
• Education: Completed a a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

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 one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

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. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

References: VHA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements: The incumbent usually works standing and has patient contact involving occasional heavy lifting, and/or assisting patients. The computer area of the in vivo section calls for long periods of working around loud noise, prolonged concentration and long periods of sitting, while working under pressure as a deadline to produce accurate patient test results.

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.