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.

Duties

This position represents an above the full performance level for Medical Instrument Technician (Advanced-Special Assigned) (Diagnostic Ultrasound). Incumbent is responsible for providing staff development and training to staff.The incumbent will perform the following duties and responsibilities of a staff ultrasound technologist which include but are not limited to: Performance of complex ultrasound examinations including abdominal, renal, gynecological and small parts scanning, vascular, cerebrovascular system, lower arterial extremities, Doppler exams, cardiac, etc. Transport of patients from wheelchairs and stretchers onto the ultrasound table. Positioning of patients and selection of proper technical factors based on the individual patients' medical condition and the procedure requested. Performs consultations with clinicians to obtain complete clinical history; gather pertinent clinical data. Interpretation of sonographic images through comparison with known normal anatomic structures. Selection of proper images for photography. May be required to develop films using automatic processor. Maintains ultrasound exam records and/or reports for research studies and interesting case studies. Schedules emergency ultrasound examinations. Always maintains a clean work area and adequate level of supplies with the ultrasound suite. Performs computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, complications and/or quality improvement activities. Provides training staff development and guidance to students and residents from the affiliated programs. Establishes policies and protocols with Ultrasound physicians. The incumbent will participate in on-call or standby to provide 24 hours\7 day week coverage. The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the image (positioning/label/technique/ network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network. Provide education to patients and their families on ultrasound procedures. Clerical and file room duties related to patient care. Other duties as assigned of a related nature. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Noon), On call on WHEN hours Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 26063F - Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) Advanced Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.) 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". English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). Creditable Experience - Knowledge of Current Medical Instrument Technician Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics associated with current Medical Instrument Technician practice appropriate to the identified specialty area. [Specialized developmental experience obtained under supervision of appropriately certified individuals may be credited at higher levels and is addressed in individual appendices.] Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and is directly related to the position/specialty to be filled. Part-time Experience. Part time experience is credited according to its relationship to a full time work week. For example, an individual employed 20 hours per week, or on a ? time basis would receive one work week credit for each two weeks of service. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates. 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. 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. *4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. 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 Preferred Experience: It is preferred that candidates are a registered ultrasound technician who has current certification from the Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is the GS-09, which is the actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy. Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Bronx VA Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Rd. Bronx, NY 10468 US
• Name: Yaneth Ferrer
• Phone: 718-584-9000 X6569
• Email: [email protected]