North Central Section of the AUA, Inc.

The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) is regarded as the 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. Within this specialization: diagnostic medical sonography-abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic, and ophthalmic; cardiac sonography-adult and pediatric echocardiography; and vascular technology-vascular and related organs. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/05/2023. 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. 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. 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. 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 physical requirements listed below. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 Part II Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. 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). GS-9 Grade Determination: 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. 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; 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, portal-systemic 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, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. 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: Minimum of 5 years experience in Radiology Experience with Adult Populations Advanced MRI/CT/Ultrasound Certification High level of computer skill for accessing, receiving, sending, and manipulating data when required Experience as a contract officer representative (COR) and or ability to obtain certification within 1 year References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G27 Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard GS-649 dated March 17, 2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds. ["*** Bargaining Position *** Performs all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. The spectrum of examination performed includes, but is not limited to abdomen for tumors, stones, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions, such as pancreatitis, and sizes of organs and their location, evaluations of abdominal aorta for aneurysm and/or dissection, vascular ultrasound venous studies to r/o Deep Venous Thrombosis, peripheral arterial studies to r/o stenosis. Responsible for obtaining pertinent diagnostic examinations through knowledge of both normal and abnormal human anatomy. Performs a wide range of Diagnostic Abdominal Ultrasound examinations and non-invasive Vascular Ultrasound examinations with Doppler interrogation. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or reject ability of each scan. Maintains effective control of the Ultrasound area by coordinating, planning, organizing, and executing the daily work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments. Coordinates emergency and excessive workload to complete patients added into the daily schedule. Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profiles. Enters patients into the Computerized Patient Record System. Maintains a quality assurance program of all ultrasound scanning equipment, TV and video monitor, videotape machines, and cameras. Performs preventative maintenance as required. Troubleshoots equipment used in Ultrasound and is able to make minor repairs and/or adjustments. Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to biomedical service representative. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50145 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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