Clarification from the agency

Open to All US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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The vascular lab technicians provide carotid studies, consistent diagnosis criteria and quality control for venous duplex scans, venous reflux determinations, assess for stenosis or occlusion of the mesenteric and renal arteries, assess for DVT of the upper extremities, preoperative vein mapping, intraoperative assessment of carotid endarterectomies and lower extremity vein bypasses, surveillance of vein bypass grafts, and segmented arterial pressure and waveform analysis with formal interpretation. The vascular lab technologists are an integral part of the vascular surgery program. The incumbent will independently work in two difficult and complex modalities including Vascular Ultrasound and Vascular Surgery and will be responsible for clinical, research, and educational duties in these two modalities.

The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Work closely with the vascular surgeon, radiologist, and other clinicians to assure optimum quality control, coordination of activities and that high quality diagnostic imaging results are achieved.
• Independently performs difficult to complex vascular ultrasound examinations and interventional radiology examinations.
• Responsible for clinical research and educational duties in both the vascular laboratory and vascular surgical service.
• Performs Vascular Ultrasound Imaging to evaluate the body's circulatory system.
• Obtains quality vascular images In order to locate and identify blockage (stenosis) and abnormalities like blood clots, plaque or emboli to help plan effective treatment to the patient.
• Performs Vascular Ultrasound Imaging of the body's veins and arteries, for the purpose of evaluating blockages, such as clots in veins and plaque in arteries by using pulse wave Doppler, color Doppler, power Doppler and duplex Doppler.
• Confers with Vascular Surgeon to determine requirements for non-standard exams.
• Determines technical factors, scanning techniques, etc. to satisfy requirements of vascular ultrasound imaging. Advises the Vascular Surgeons, radiologists or referring physicians of the examination results.
• Performs Vascular Surgery therapeutic treatments, which include: Dialysis graft studies.
• Assures that sterile supplies, catheters. Contrast media and other materials are set up and readily available prior to the procedure(s).
• Scrubs and assists the vascular surgeon during the procedure on a demand basis.
• Research and/or analyze problems, issues or program requirements supporting the functions of a PACS system.
• Determines pertinent issues and collects relevant information from a variety of sources.
• Reviews information and applies standard analytical techniques.
• Develops recommendations and a plan of action to solve problems.
• Serve as a liaison for OlT, Imaging, Surgery, Biomedical engineering, vendors and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize imaging and clinical operations as well as distribution capabilities in all areas of the NCHCS.
• Provides first line technical support for imaging transmissions or display errors related to modalities, VistA interface, display monitors and printers.
• Responsible for explaining the exams to the patient so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible.
• Responsible for the cleanliness of the subsection and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas.
• Administrative accountability for departmental supplies and equipment in their area.
• Anticipates the needs for supplies and provides for them well in advance.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Work Schedule: Negotiable, TBD at time of hiring
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: MAY BE AUTHORIZED FOR HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
• English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
• Grandfathering Provision: 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).
• Certifications: 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.
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements.

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).

Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular), GS-9:

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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs.

The KSA's at the GS-9 level are:
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 64 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

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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. This position requires to be able to stand or walk for long periods of time period there is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as equipment or records. The technologist must be able to help lift and move patients to difficult positions on the radio graphic table. The incumbent will be using multiple computer systems using both mouse and keyboard input, stressing the hand or wrist.

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.

RESUME REMINDER - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: * Job Title and a summary of duties. (be as detailed as possible) * Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) * Full-time or part-time status (MUST include hours worked per week if part-time). * Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. * Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.