Clarification from the agency

This position is open to All US Citizens. Current permanent VA Employees of the Washington, DC Facility, please apply under Internal Job Announcement # CBTF-12825277-26-KS. 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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Functions:
a. Trains new breast sonographers in all aspects of breast ultrasound scanning protocols.
b. Recommends, coordinates, and evaluates new or modified procedures/protocols in accordance with radiologist oversight.
c. Works well with other sonographers on specialized tasks and new/modified procedures and policies.
d. Maintains competency on all scanners and procedures.
e. Assures that ultrasound rooms are always stocked with necessary supplies.
f. Works closely with the Supervisor of Breast Imaging to optimize ultrasound machine times.
g. Works with mammography technologists, radiologists, and other sonographers in the performance of diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques and ultrasound guided procedures.
h. Properly identifies patient. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The sonographer must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number.
i. Ensures that patient images are properly identified and labeled according to section guidelines.
j. Troubleshoot PACS related issues and work closely with the PACS administrator to resolve issues.
k. Works independently but confers with radiologists and Supervisor of Breast imaging on more difficult problems and cooperates with other team members.
l. Must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. Must be able to recognize any inaccuracies.
m. The incumbent requires specific knowledge and training of the location, appearance, and function of the breast to interpret the examination request accurately; understands the functioning and inter-relationship of the breast imaging techniques and modalities using the methods and techniques which will identify breast abnormalities on the digital display monitor or image.
. The incumbent will share significant administrative duties, including the performance and documentation of QC required to maintain compliance with all QC and QA requirements as per VHA policy, FDA/MQSA regulations, and ACR standards.
o. The incumbent works closely with Supervisor of Breast imaging, other technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum QC, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic/therapeutic exam results, and patient satisfaction.
p. The incumbent keeps abreast of current technical literature, ACR and FDA guidelines and learns of new developments in mammography.
q. The incumbent ensures all personal certifications and qualifications are continuously monitored and kept up to date as required by the accrediting bodies. This includes continuing experience, and educational experience as required by MSQA.
r. Prepare the exam room for examinations and assist Radiologists with ultrasound-guided biopsies
s. Maintain sonography equipment and report machinery failure to Supervisor of breast imaging.
t. Manage several patients and priorities and be able to adapt to a fast-paced work environment.
u. Ensures that images are successfully transmitted to PACS and/or films are available for Radiologic interpretation (this should be done as soon as the study is completed).
v. Has good verbal communication, active listening, critical thinking, and excellent interpersonal skills.
w. Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
x. Physical stamina to lift heavy equipment and remain on your feet for long hours.
y. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.
z. Other duties as assigned.


Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional


Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is NOT a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 688- 22023-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.

• 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.

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:
Citizenship:
All applicants are required to be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)

Education:
There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.

Licensure or Certification:
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".

English Language Proficiency:
Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.


GRADE REQUIREMENTS:
Title and Certification:
Diagnostic Ultrasound Technicians operate diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two-dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Candidate with Breast registry is preferred or will be required to obtain the registry within one year.


Grade Determinations:
Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound/Breast Imaging) - GS-9.

GS-09: 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 and KSA's:
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 the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level.

GS-08 Level Core competencies at the full performance level:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum.
2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc.
3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.
4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations.

GS-09 Level Core competencies at the full performance level:
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 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.


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.



Preferred Experience:
1. Candidate with Breast registry is preferred or will be required to obtain the registry within one year.
2. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certifications


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 in the range of GS-8 to GS-9.


Physical Requirements:
A. Position requires long periods of standing and walking, some bending, lifting, and carrying of moderately heavy items.
B. Requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions.
C. Ability to reach above shoulder required.
D. Both hands and use of fingers required.
E. Must be able to lift, carry and move heavy equipment/patients routinely.

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; 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.