North Central Section of the AUA, Inc.

The purpose of the work is to perform diagnostic ultrasound studies for the evaluation of various organ systems including the gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, genitourinary, vascular, lymphatic, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems. These highly complex studies are performed under limited control. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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 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". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Preferred Experience: Competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. Expert source of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation Demonstrates work practice appropriate for the position. Demonstrate and verbalize proper procedures. Infection Control. Understands , demonstrates appropriate hygiene methods and infection control. Understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician Detail-Oriented with good hand-eye coordination Grade Determinations: Applicant must meet the Basic requirement, Specialized Experience, and Certification requirements for the position: Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound), GS-0649-09: Specialized Experience: At least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-0649-08, 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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. 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. 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. 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 at least 25% of the time. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory diagnostic ultrasound 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 level and make 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, Appendix C - Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-09. Physical Requirements Heavy Lifting ( 45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying ( 45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing ( aid permitted). ["The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) (Diagnostic Ultrasound) independently performs standard examinations. The MIT follows Radiologist protocol of patients when performing the procedures. They evaluate the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patients schedule to accommodate them. They maintain records of patients examined. Duties include but are not limited to: Advise radiologist or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Perform ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space for acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Participate in the training of physicians, students, and radiology technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Perform routine clerical procedures for maintaining accurate ultrasound records. Make multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results. Review new developments in the field and recommends those that would improve the operation of the section. May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations as needed. Maintain adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Develop and maintains patient prep procedures so that the patient and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize procedure delays. Explain the procedures to the patient so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. Gather related information so that correlation of examinations to other studies can be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for their medical disorders. Operate multi-image camera for ultrasound examinations so that future ultrasound examinations may be compared. Assist quality assurance technologists in performing quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit using phantoms, test tools, test checklists, etc. for assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment. Perform or supervise routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. Must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the ALM Hospital and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Work Schedule: Irregular Tour Position with Holiday and on call Sat and Sun 7am-7pm Mon and Tuesday 10am-6:30pm\nRecruitment Incentive: Available for Highly Qualified Applicants\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Medical Instrument Technician(Diagnostic Ultrasound) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive/PD000000\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]