The Advanced Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) (Echocardiography), serves as a specialized technician with focused cardiac knowledge above full performance level in the Hospital and Specialty Care Division of the VA Seattle Health Care System. The GS-9 MIT performs all duties related to the support of echocardiography services in the facility.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Responsible for all the technical quality of work performed in the lab. Responsible for insuring procedures are accomplished within the established time frames and are coordinated with the other sections of the hospital. The GS-9 MIT must be able to instruct lower-level technicians in established work standards by clearly defining specific tasks and job technique requirements and provide on the job training. Provides scheduling for both inpatients and outpatients and ensures that patients requiring emergent or critical procedures are triaged appropriately. The GS-9 MIT appropriately directs lower-level technicians regarding triage of emergent or critical procedures. Ensures procedures performed are appropriate and necessary based upon the information provided. Possesses specialized knowledge, skills and abilities in order to provide expert guidance to lower-level technicians regarding special requests, unusual findings, emergent evaluations or imaging difficulties. In both the inpatient and outpatient setting, the incumbent receives the patient and explains the purpose and methodology of the procedures in a manner that the patient will understand. Independently positions the patient in accordance to any patient limitations and obtains diagnostic ultrasound images of the heart and all required measurements. Performs specialized cardiac ultrasound examinations, including but not limited to: a. Transthoracic Echo i. Educates and prepares patient for transthoracic echo exam ii. Acquires high quality, diagnostic images and all required measurements iii. Uses ultrasound acquisition program to display images for side-by-side analysis and interpretation by physician. b. Stress Echo i. Educates and prepares patient for stress echo exam ii. Acquires high quality images during and after exercise stress protocol and as directed by the physician iii. Uses ultrasound acquisition program to display test and post exercise images for side-by-side analysis and interpretation by physician c. Transesophageal Echo i. Prepares room and assembles necessary supplies and equipment ii. Educates and prepares patient for transesophageal exam iii. Ability to assist in all areas of the transesophageal exam including obtaining, monitoring, and documenting vital signs and suctioning. iv. Maximizes image quality and appropriate image acquisition while a physician manipulates the probe. v. Uses ultrasound acquisition program to display images for side-by-side analysis and interpretation by physician. vi. Ability to follow strict guidelines regarding probe pre-cleaning and sterilization d. Contrast Echocardiograms i. Educates and prepares patient for echo contrast examination ii. Ensures proper IV placement for optimal exam quality iii. Ensures proper documentation is in place regarding contraindications iv. Coordinates with provider and patient to ensure the acquisition of high quality, diagnostic images e. Agitated Saline Bubble Echocardiograms i. Educates and prepares patient for bubble study exam ii. Ensures proper IV placement for optimal exam quality iii. Coordinates with provider and patient to ensure the acquisition of high quality, diagnostic images. Ability to make routine and non-routine dimensional and Doppler measurements from digitized images per established protocol and industry standards. Provides guidance to lower-level technicians regarding non-routine measurements. Proficient with common computer programs and specialized cardiac ultrasound exam analyzing systems to prepare study for report generation and interpretation. Accurately maintains procedure and patient records following strict guidelines regarding confidentiality. Responsible for the orientation and instruction of lower-level technicians and cardiology fellows, in proper calibration, maintenance and operational techniques of all ultrasound equipment and related peripheral accessories. Thorough knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory standards. Responsible for proper education and adherence to all strict environmental guidelines regarding equipment, supply and room cleanliness and provides training to lower-level technicians. Actively participates in lab meetings with responsibilities including presenting cases, article reviews, lab reports and providing education. Work Schedule: 8AM - 4:30PM, Monday - Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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: 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.) 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. 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. 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. 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: GS-9 Experience. At least 1 year 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 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 (*): 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 Echocardiography. *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *4. Not used for this assignment.. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. Registration 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) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. Preferred Experience: Certification by the National Registry Board for Echosonographers, 2-3 years experience in a tertiary hospital setting, providing inpatient and outpatient clinical care, and working with a variety of teams in community based outpatient clinics and their parent facilities. Ability to work independently, and the ability to travel to support community based outpatient clinics in the Seattle area. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, March 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), light lifting and carrying (under 15 lbs.), pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs, operation of a motor vehicle, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, and hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental factors include working outside and inside, dry atmospheric conditions, excessive noise (intermittent), dust, fumes, smoke, or gases, solvent (degreasing agents), electrical energy, working closely with others, working alone, and protracted or irregular hours of work.

Education

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

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 VA Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Gabriel Johnson
• Phone: (503) 220-8262 X53014
• Email: [email protected]