Clarification from the agency

This Job Opportunity Announcement is open to the public This is an open continuous announcement. We accept applications for this occupation on an ongoing basis; Applicants will be referred to selecting official on a continual basis until all vacancies are filled OR until the closing date of this announcement.

Videos

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)
List the major duties and responsibilities of the position.

1. Performs the full range of vascular ultrasound procedures including the most complex and nonroutine examinations. Select best equipment based on symptomology and the objective of the examination while adapting procedure and technique to enhance diagnostic results. Uses appropriate transducer frequency, Doppler angle, focal zones, gain, depth, color map, wall filter, and sample volume to obtain the highest quality images. Utilizes the most complex imaging and examination techniques, including complex arterial and venous mapping protocols and assisting vascular physicians with ultrasound-guided vein ablations and pseudoaneurysm treatments. May function as Technical Director of the vascular laboratory and provide occasional oversight and/or guidance to other technicians.
2. Schedule exams in a manner that optimizes all the vascular procedures and the coordination of equipment while maintaining flexibility for emergent cases. This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc.
3. The technician must be able to perform vascular ultrasounds on ambulatory outpatients, inpatient and patients hospitalized in the intensive care areas.
4. Is responsible for the preliminary report from the examination and proper notification of found critical value studies.
5. Properly identifies patient through the VISTA CPRS. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient I.D. and the request are identical. Ask each patient to verbally confirm two approved patient identifiers before proceeding with exam.
6. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that they understand the procedure that is to be performed.
7. Responsible for stocking and inventory of the supplies and related material for the Vascular Laboratory.
8. Continually reviews new developments, techniques, and technologies in vascular imaging and procedures to provide the physicians and patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes.
9. Participates in the on-call schedule for emergent vascular procedures. This requires carrying a pager and being available for call back by the Medical Center for emergent procedures as deemed necessary by the on call vascular medicine physicians.
10. Assist in writing policies, procedures, and protocols that pertain to vascular sonography and contribute to performance improvement projects in the Vascular Laboratory.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 08:00 AM to 4:30 PM or as needed
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: FS53973-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized according to Agency policy
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.
• 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.

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: In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this level may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and duties

GS-9. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments.

Experience. 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 experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to 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 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 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.

Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable.

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.

Preferred Experience: Preferred candidates would have the RVT credential, a minimum of 3 years of experience in the clinical setting, and expertise in assessing peripheral arteries, renal arteries, (including both ultrasound imaging and physiologic tests), mesenteric arteries, carotid arteries, peripheral veins, bypass grafts, aortic endografts, dialysis fistulae and dialysis grafts.

References: APPENDIX G27. MEDICAL INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-649 Veterans Health Administration handbook 5005

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is at the GS- 09 .

Physical Requirements: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

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.