Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This Announcement is open to current, permanent employees of the Durham VA Health Care System Only . Applicants must upload their most recent non-award SF-50 to receive consideration.

Videos

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Performs a variety of ultrasonic technical studies in the application of non-ionization high frequency waves to patients for diagnosis of disease and other abnormalities and assist physicians during interventional procedures.
• Independently performs a variety of routine small part, abdominal, gynecologic (pelvic transabdominal and endovaginal), obstetric (emergent first trimester), and breast examinations in accordance with established practice guidelines.
• Locate, identify, and determine compositions of cold nodules; differentiate benign renal cysts from malignant neoplasms; evaluate renal disease, liver abnormalities, pancreatic masses, and determining presence or absence of abdominal aortic aneurysms are among the variety of studies to be performed.
• Independently performs a variety of routine and complex vascular examinations using pulse and continuous wave Doppler and color Doppler techniques such as lower & upper-extremity arterial duplex, lower & upper-extremity venous duplex to include abdominal aorta duplex, carotid-artery duplex, hemodialysis graft evaluation, venous mapping, and venous insufficiency scans in accordance with established practice guidelines.
• Determines depths, locations, and required needle angles for the lesions to be sampled. Instructs the radiology residents and fellow staff and students in all aspects of ultrasound.
• Manages the technique of residents and students performing scans and in the generation of images for interpretation. Advises radiologist or referring physician of results and provides a preliminary diagnostic evaluation.
• Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc.
• Performs invasive/special procedures utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires "scrub-in technique," preparation of surgical trays, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, clean-up trays, etc., after exam is completed.
• Adheres to 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.
• Appropriately uses the administrative menus, functions and tools applicable to the Veterans Health Information System and Technology Architecture system (VISTA), the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) application, and iSITE (PACS) Radiology reading solution to accurately and effectively manage patient encounters, document treatment and care, and archive diagnostic imaging.
• Adheres to established facility patient identification policy and procedures to ensure correct identification of all patients such that they are appropriately linked with their medical record and the services and treatments intended for them.
• Performs a variety of administrative functions required as part of the daily operations of the ultrasound modality to include but not limited to ultrasound desk coordinator, patient and exam registration duties, monitoring of VetLink self-service kiosk for outpatient check-in status, processes ultrasound requisitions(daily request printouts), coordinates emergent inpatient and outpatient exam add-ons into the daily schedule with local and house staff, and assists with the scheduling and work-up of invasive procedures such as biopsies.
• Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday 2pm-12 midnight. Call is required
• Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
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.

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

Basic Requirements:

• U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27.
• 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".

GS-09 Requirements:
(a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower GS-08 grade level, which would include but not be limited to: performing diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, and scrotum performing vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, etc., assisting radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled, and assisting in surgical procedures and fluid aspiration. 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 (*):
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level.
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.
(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.
Preferred Experience: General and vascular ultrasound experience
References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G27.
Physical Requirements: Lifting (15 lbs and over); carrying (up to 20 lbs); pulling and pushing (up to 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; standing and walking (up to 3 hours); bending (up to 1 hour); use of fingers/hands; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13 - 16"; hearing (aide permitted)

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.