The Veterans Affairs Pacific Island Health Care System (VAPIHCS) is a Level 3 facility. The Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiographer) has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of the Echocardiography areas. The incumbent performs a comprehensive and high quality transthoracic and stress echos.

Duties

Ability to perform diagnostic cardiac ultrasound: the employee will use M-mode and two-dimensional ultrasound to image the pericardium, cardiac walls, chambers, septum, and valves. Have knowledge of the physics of ultrasound and of the technology behind the echocardiographic instrumentation. Knowledge of cardiac anatomy and pathophysiology, and knowledge of the limitations imposed by the physics and the equipment. Knowledge of cardiac cross-sectional anatomy to be able to identify intracardiac structures in order to select the correct transducer and gain settings to minimize artifact on acquisition, in addition to recognizing subtle equipment malfunctions. Use Doppler ultrasound to identify and characterize intracardiac blood flow patterns in performing diagnostic cardiac ultrasound and stress echos. May perform contrast diagnostic ultrasound, bubble studies, and pharmacological stress echocardiography in the future. Proficient in operating a diagnostic ultrasound machine to perform a complete echocardiogram study by obtaining and recording two and three-dimensional ultrasound pictures, m-mode, pulsed, continuous wave and color Doppler, and Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). The incumbent will follow the standard format developed by the American Society of Echocardiography. Responsible for specific measurements and calculations that will be included in the echocardiogram test report (e.g. stenotic valve area, pressure gradient). The incumbent will be under minimal to no supervision. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00960-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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". 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: SPECIALTY - Echocardiography Technicians operate diagnostic equipment to graphically record the position and motion of the heart walls or the internal structure of the heart and neighboring tissue by the echo obtained from beams of ultrasonic waves directed through the chest wall. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS). 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. GS-9 Grade Requirements - At least 1 year experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-8, 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 experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk. GS-09 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 Echocardiography. *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. *Note: Please ensure how you meet these KSAs is clearly described in your resume; we may not make assumptions regarding your experience. Preferred Qualifications/Experience: Registration by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) or by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS). Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) certification. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 Appendix D 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: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; light lifting, under 15 pounds; light carrying, under 15 pounds; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; standing (4 hours); both legs required; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted); disinfecting wipes; hand sanitizer. Travel throughout Pacific Rim Environmental Factors: Dust, working closely with others, and working alone

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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 information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Spark M Matsunaga Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 459 Patterson Road Honolulu, HI 96819 US
• Name: Havel Respes
• Phone: 415-221-4810 X23728
• Email: [email protected]