Incumbent performs noninvasive examinations involving the application of high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease. Examinations consist of the performance of non-imaging amplitude-modulated studies for determining anatomic midline position arid foreign body localization of organ position, form, structure, and physical consistency.

Duties

Duties and Responsibilities Performs noninvasive examinations involving the application of high frequency ultrasonic waves. Performs abdominal studies including studies of the liver, spleen, gallbladder, aorta, kidneys, thyroid gland, scrotum, lower and upper extremities venous. Receives patients, explains methods of the procedure, positions the patient and makes necessary scanning adjustment. Schedules patients for examination, evaluates nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patients' priorities to accommodate them. Advises radiologist of results of examination and provides them with a preliminary diagnostic evaluation. Notifies them of significant examinations requiring their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor which would improve the operation of the section. Attends seminars, conferences and continuing education programs. Evaluates new products and equipment for future purchase. Research, develop and formulate new techniques and procedures to be performed in the ultrasound section. Maintains in room supplies and those required for ultrasound examinations. Required to rotate on-call as outlined within the Ultrasound section. Responsible to respond promptly while in on-call status. Assists manufacturer representatives and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions associated with each unit. Performs a proportionate amount of examinations. Rotates between portable exams and each ultrasound suite displaying technical proficiency with the equipment. Knowledge of cross-sectional (normal and abnormal) anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor organs and systems (brain, neck, thorax, and extremities, gravid uterus, pelvis) susceptible to ultrasonic detection. Must have knowledge of the principles and techniques of sonography. Must have the knowledge and skills to perform complex ultrasound procedures. Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body. Should have advance knowledge in advanced vascular sonography scanning techniques as well as OB experience. The incumbent supervise Ultrasound students from Howard University Community college. The incumbent should have the knowledge of sonography scanning technique used for determining technical factors, how to control depth, distortion, brightness, contrast, anglation, blood flow theory and the use of the most complex special equipment . The incumbent should have the knowledge and skill in positioning patients for a wide variety of difficult examinations/procedures, in securing the patient during examination/procedure so that no movement will take place. Basic understanding of computer operation including the operations of teletype keyboard input. Basic nursing practice related to daily hospital care and first aid procedures for such occurrences as seizures, reactions to drugs, cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest, including the use of oxygen to assist with breathing difficulties, the crash cart and the use of the equipment and medications given during cardiac arrest is required. Certification, knowledge and skills in administering CPR are required for this position. Annual certification of knowledge and skill in administering CPR is required. Unless the technologist has being grandfather, they are required to maintain good standing with ARRT requirements for those registered by ARDMS. The technologist should have knowledge of standard operating procedures of procedural protocol which includes, type, and sequence of scans for each examination, positioning of the patient and the technical factors to be used. Basis formulae for calculation of technical factors and supplement 688-23141-F FLSA: Non-Exempt BUS Code: 1272 tales of typical setting for the scans to be used are available. Textbooks, technical manuals, research on radiography and sonography diagnostic examination guidelines or precedents are frequently not directly applicable. The technologist uses judgment to modify standard procedures and adapt precedent situations In order to individualize each imaging procedure objectives of the study and the patient's disease process. The technologist must demonstrate initiative in learning of new developments and recommending adoption of nonstandard approaches to improve established procedures. Procedures change occasionally due to new developments in the field and to reflect the standards and experience of the radiologist. The incumbent will be required to participate in the On-call rotations. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 08:00am - 04:30pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not 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: 1. Citizenship. All applicants are required to be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 2. 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 3.Licensure or Certification. 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". 4. Physical Requirements. The incumbent will be required to do the following: A. Position requires long periods of standing and walking, some bending, lifting, and carrying of moderately heavy items. B. Requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. C. Ability to reach above shoulder required. D. Both hands and use of fingers required. E. Must be able to lift, carry and move heavy equipment/patients routinely 5. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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 REQUIREMENTS: Title and Certification: Diagnostic Ultrasound Technicians operate diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two-dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Candidate with Breast registry is preferred or will be required to obtain the registry within one year. Diagnostic Ultrasound Technicians operate diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). 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. Education/Training. To be creditable education must have been gained in an accredited Community College, College, or University. (1) Training. Completion of appropriate training such as in-service training programs, on the job training, training acquired while in the Armed Forces, government sponsored developmental training programs, and/or training under physicians certified in the functional area will be allowed on a month-for-month basis through the GS-5 level. (2) Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Specialized developmental experience obtained under supervision of appropriately certified individuals may be credited at higher levels and is addressed in individual appendices. Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) - 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. (a) 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 (*): 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. GS-08 Level Core competencies at the full performance level: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. 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. 2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. 3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. 4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. (c) 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. (d) 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. 1. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

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 Washington VA Medical Center 50 Irving Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20422 US
• Name: Trudy Wachala
• Phone: 4106057000 X51841
• Email: [email protected]