Clarification from the agency

This vacancy announcement is opened to US citizens. Current, permanent Federal Employees can apply to the internal announcement, CBTC-12397066-24-KLJ. There is NO need to apply to both, please.

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Duties are, but not limited to:

The incumbent performs ultrasonography studies, records and processes images, as well as prepares the processed media for interpretation by the Staff Radiologist. The studies include: Abdomen-liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, abdominal aorta, vena cava and femoral arteries using Gray Scale techniques to evaluate these structures for size, abnormal contour, cysts, tumors and various pathological disorders. Retroperitoneal - kidneys, adrenal glands, nodes, and urinary bladder using Gray Scale real time techniques. Pelvis - urinary bladder, scrotum, prostrate. Also performs segmental pressures, pulse volume recordings and arterial Doppler waive forms.

The employee will assist with percutaneous punctures as directed by the Radiologist. S/he assists with studies localizing fluid filled areas under ultrasound and employs sterile technique as indicated for punctures and biopsies.

They perform studies for thyroid, venous and arterial vessels. Ward exams are at the discretion of the Staff Radiologist and will include: gallbladder, pancreas, and visualization of the intra-hepatic biliary system, abdominal vessels, liver, and kidney, venous and arterial examinations.

As ultra-sonographer, s/he schedules and prepares patients for exams and explains procedures to patients while performing the studies.

S/he obtains pertinent diagnostic examinations for the physician, which may be necessary for correlation between the ultrasound scan and the clinical history.

S/he differentiates artifacts from normal or pathological processes and recognizes electronic equipment limitations.

S/he recognizes a diagnostic scan and consults with the Staff Radiologist to determine the proper diagnosis.

The employee performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, ER, and inpatient orders.

Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS) and professional credentials. Maintains current Talent management System (TMS) training as required.

Technologist works under the supervision of the Lead Technologists and rotates all responsibilities within the US section.

Technologist is competent and educated in all service policies pertaining to the technologists and their assigned work section.

Technologists receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness, date desired and maintains thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Thoroughly reviews the US orders, screening information for accuracy, noting and researching all questionable information prior to scheduling the patient and performing the exam.

Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of all equipment.

Technologist works with staff and US schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments.

Applies infection control practices and procedures for patients and staff, as mandated by Medical Center and Imaging Service infection control policies.

Maintains adequate supplies used in the department. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies.

Uses independent judgment and possesses the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patients' individual medical conditions and body habitus.

Properly identifies patient by using full name, DOB, full Social Security number and or hospital name band.

Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment.

Participate in quality assurance activities as directed.

Maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical, Semi-Critical, and on-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)that document the process and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of RME and follow established procedures for all RME.

Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided.

Continually reviews new developments and standards in the field of ultra-sound imaging.

Technologist uses word processing software to execute several office automations functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail through Microsoft Outlook.

Required to work in an after hour on-call standby status to perform emergency scans.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 41061F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
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 examination.
• 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:

a. Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)

b. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.

c. 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.

d. Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 Hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. ? 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

e. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.f. 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.

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). NOTE: Details on grandfathering are listed in the Assessment Questionnaire section of this announcement. This position is above journey (full performance) level.

Grade Determinations:

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.

(a) 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 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 (on the resume) the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. **Must be demonstrated on resume. 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.

(c) Certification. 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.

(d) 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.

1. 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.


Preferred Experience: Experience with GE, and Siemens equipment is preferred. It is preferred for candidates to have certifications in: Abdomen, OB/Gyn, Breast, and Vascular Ultrasound.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27, Appendix C.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 9.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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.