Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician)
- Full-Time
- Atlanta, GA
- US Department Of Veterans Affairs
- Posted 3 years ago – Accepting applications
- DutiesSummary
- Job family (Series)
0649 Medical Instrument Technician
Requirements
RequirementsConditions of Employment- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to a background/security investigation
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
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.
- Physical Requirements: Refer to the description below for details
- English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English.
Preferred 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.
Grade Determinations:
GS-8 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
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, 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.
Assignment. This represents the full performance level for medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound). 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-9. 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. 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. 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.
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.
References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09.
Physical Requirements: There is a combination of potentially extended periods of standing, walking, and lifting of items weighing up to 20 pounds such as portable grids, x-ray cassettes, computer paper boxes, etc. Incumbent must be able to travel to the distinct treatment areas with ease. EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Additional information
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further informaww.ed.tion, visit: http://wgov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
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.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
How You Will Be EvaluatedYou 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, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance
NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will recommend grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.
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.Confidential
Drug test requiredYes
Position sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination processCredentialing, Suitability/Fitness
Required Documents
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:- Resume
- SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action (Current Federal Employees)
- VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Benefits
BenefitsA career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Position is located in the Radiology Service Line, within the Ultrasound Section. Diagnostic Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other-diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The Ultrasound technologist must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The Ultrasound technologist is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound imaging.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Operates an Ultrasound system. Develops new techniques, defines optimal protocols, and devises alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient. Evaluates new protocols and work processes and compares them with existing methodologies. Interacts with physicians, nurses, residents, and other medical center clinical and administrative ancillary staff on a recurring basis in the performance of daily assignments.
Operates all ancillary equipment necessary to complete non-invasive and invasive examination, ornnicell unit, 02 insufflator, defibrillator, pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitors, and patient resuscitation devices. Technologist are to ensure that the crash carts in the area are available and unopened.
Performs examinations with the Ultrasound system, monitors patient during all phases of appropriate examinations and removes patient from Ultrasound table upon completion of the examination. Operates all computer network devices necessary to route images to PACS and Teleradiology upon completion of examination.
Prior to the exam, technologist is responsible for clarifying the scanning protocol, via the protocol manual or radiologist instructions. Confers with radiologist to establish requirements with reference to vital signs, medications, allergies, and other physiological monitoring prior to performing the examination. Technologist will be familiar with interventional radiology procedures in order to perform the anticipated needs of the radiologist during biopsies. The technologist will have the ability to work within a sterile field. The technologist will ensure that the appropriate supplies are available prior to starting a procedure, or notify the appropriate officials/departments if supplies are not present. Localizes fluid filled areas and lesions under ultrasound and employs sterile technique as indicated for exam. Performs intraoperative ultrasound examinations as ordered to include ELVS, vein-mapping, and localization. The technologist will assist and may be required to scrub in with the radiologist during the procedure on an as needed basis. Utilizes medical center Infection Control Guidelines and instructions when cleaning and disinfecting ultrasound transducers.
The ULT Technologist registers patient and procedure(s) in the VISTA Radiology Package, obtains the appropriate case number and status tracks images to indicate that the procedure has been completed . To ensure correct workload capture, the technologist must be cognizant of Common Procedure Codes and Add/edit Radiology case numbers to reflect exactly what exams were performed. The technologist will review images/image sets upon completion to ensure acceptable image quality prior to sending images to the PACS for interpretation. Retrieves pertinent patient information from the Computerized Patient Record System(CPRS) when necessary. Enters patient education and other notes in the EMR when necessary. Technologist is knowledgeable of Teleradiology guidelines and maintains technical skills to ensure that images are successfully routed off-station. The technologist must ensure that images are successfully transferred to the intended destination prior to leaving their duty station.
Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, Tours of duty will vary from: 8am-4:30pm, 9am-5:30pm, 2pm -1030pm, 11am-7:30pm or weekend shift.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Not required
Supervisory statusNo
Promotion Potential9
HelpThis job is open to
- The public
U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.