Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Videos

Duties include, but not limited to:

• Trains new breast sonographers in all aspects of breast ultrasound scanning protocols.
• Recommends, coordinates, and evaluates new or modified procedures/protocols in accordance with radiologist oversight.
• Works well with other sonographers on specialized tasks and new/modified procedures and policies.
• Maintains competency on all scanners and procedures.
• Assures that ultrasound rooms are always stocked with necessary supplies.
• Works closely with the Supervisor of Breast Imaging to optimize ultrasound machine times.
• Works with mammography technologists, radiologists, and other ultrasound technologists in the performance of diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques and ultrasound guided procedures.
• Properly identifies patient. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technologist 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.
• Ensures that patient images are properly identified and labeled according to section guidelines.
• Troubleshoot PACS related issues and work closely with the PACS administrator to resolve issues.
• Works independently but confers with radiologists and Supervisor of breast imaging on more difficult problems and cooperates with other team members.
• 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.???????
• 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.
• 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.
• The incumbent keeps abreast of current technical literature, ACR and FDA guidelines and learns of new developments in Breast Ultrasound.
• 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.
• Prepare the exam room for examinations and assist Radiologists with all ultrasound-guided breast procedures including cyst aspirations, core biopsies and wire localization procedures.
• Maintain sonography equipment and report machinery failure to Supervisor of breast imaging.
• Manage several patients and priorities and be able to adapt to a fast-paced work environment.
• 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).
• Has good verbal communication, active listening, critical thinking, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Physical stamina to lift heavy equipment and remain on your feet for long hours.
• 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.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
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)
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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.
• 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 Language Proficiency: To be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA, applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English
• 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.
• Licensure. 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".

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:

Experience - GS-09
One year of experience of the assignments and knowledge, skills and abilities, equivalent to the GS-08 grade level. (GS-08 assignments and knowledge, skills and abilities listed below)

• Assignment GS-08. At this level the technician is required to perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. They perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. They also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call.
• GS-08 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • 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.
  • Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal­systemic shunts, etc.
  • Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.
  • Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations.

In addition to meeting the experience requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs:
(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.)

• 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.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels
• Ability to manage and supervise employees
• Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training

Preferred Experience:

• Trains new breast sonographers in all aspects of breast ultrasound scanning protocols.
• Recommends, coordinates, and evaluates new or modified procedures/protocols in accordance with radiologist oversight.
• Works well with other sonographers on specialized tasks and new/modified procedures and policies.
• Maintains competency on all scanners and procedures.
• Assures that ultrasound rooms are always stocked with necessary supplies.
• Works closely with the Supervisor of Breast Imaging to optimize ultrasound machine times.

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

Physical Requirements:

• Position requires long periods of standing and walking, some bending, lifting, and carrying of moderately heavy items.
• Requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions.
• Ability to reach above shoulder required.
• Both hands and use of fingers required.
• 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.