Clarification from the agency

This vacancy announcement is open to current, permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, current permanent Federal employees from other agencies, and US citizens only. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Videos

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of cross-sectional and longitudinal vascular anatomy, anatomical planes and tissue structures, and the physiologic effects of disease entities impacting the vascular system.
• Provides comprehensive Doppler information of peripheral vessels, demonstrates characteristic differences related to organ supply, accurately quantifies carotid artery stenosis, and identifies and correlates waveform analysis, plethysmographic tracings, velocity changes, and pressure gradients indicative of normal or diseased vessels or grafts.
• Performs intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations and a full range of general and vascular ultrasound studies, including but not limited to abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum.
• Operates ultrasound instruments to extract the highest quality diagnostic images, utilizing appropriate transducer frequency, Doppler angle, focal zones, gain, depth, color map, wall filter, and sample volume.
• Provides objective data to document progression or regression of vascular disease, and supports clinical decision-making by producing high quality images and reports.
• Assists with specialized procedures, including radiologist-guided biopsies and fluid aspirations, determining appropriate technique, location, depth, and needle angle as required.
• Participates in quality assurance, performance improvement projects, and maintains compliance with JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with patients and staff at all levels.
• Performs portable and operating room ultrasound exams on patients unable to be transported to the Imaging Section.
• Maintains ultrasound equipment cleanliness and functionality, stocks necessary supplies, and reports equipment malfunctions promptly.
• Maintains accurate records and files of exams performed, inputs data into the electronic medical record (CPRS), ensures images are transmitted to PACS, and completes all required administrative tasks related to patient care and imaging.
• Keeps current with advances in ultrasound and vascular technology, integrates new developments into practice as appropriate, and participates in ongoing education and training.
• Adheres to all departmental and hospital policies, including those regarding leave, dress code, and safety practices, including radiation and MRI safety standards.
• Performs all duties necessary to comply with regulatory agencies, participates in safety and quality assurance programs, and may participate in departmental committees and code teams as assigned.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the setup and reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required, and maintains annual certification as applicable.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 593-10897-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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 identification 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.
• 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.
• 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).

Grade Determinations:

GS-9
Experience
At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) at that level. This would be experience which demonstrate 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 and the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by asterisk (*):

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.

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 25% of the time.

Special Assignments
Non-supervisory vascular 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 grade level and made 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:

• At least 1 year of specialized vascular ultrasound experience at the appropriate grade level, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography. This includes:
  • performing a broad range of ultrasound exams
  • conducing various vascular studies
  • providing non-invasive vascular procedures.
• Must understand vascular anatomy and disease
• Accurately interpret Doppler findings
• Operate ultrasound equipment proficiently
• Objectively document disease progression.
• Assist with biopsies and surgical procedures.

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: Must perform the essential functions of the job considering visual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities without endangering the health or the health of their co-workers. Must be able to perform duties outlined in the Series Qualification Standards. Must meet CDC vaccination recommendations for public safety, and occupational exposure to infectious diseases and applicable regulations for which vaccinations will be offered to employees.

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.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

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.