The Ultrasound technologist will perform technical work in support of Diagnostic Imaging under the direction of a physician. The technologist will operate all ultrasound equipment and assist the radiologist in biopsy, localization and other procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Ensures that adequate quantities of supplies are available to meet workload demands through a systemized process of ordering, receipt, and inventory control.

Duties

The Major Duties for the Ultrasound MIT: The technologist will perform ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Follows established and approved statement of procedures relating to the use, cleaning and/or disinfection of reusable medical equipment (RME) including probes and transducers. Participates in the training of physicians, students, and radiology technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved. This requires registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Performs, in a hospital all ultrasound and radiology examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest, extremities, retroperitoneal space for purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized ultrasound and radiology equipment to approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. This includes preparation and supplies, scanning motions, Time Compensated Gain (TCG), zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture-oriented examination, organ-oriented examination, and initial interpretation of the examination. Technologist notes of the examination require identifying normal and pathological appearances. Pathologic appearance includes but is not limited to intraluminal echoes that shadow, polyp, carcinoma, thick wall, size, obstructing lesions, common duct stone, tumor, benign strictures, exture, solid mass, cystic mass. Technologist notes will be forwarded by the Ultrasound Technologist to the Radiologist before final interpretation is made. Perform complex ultrasound procedures including color flow Doppler and Spectral Doppler exams. The technologist is responsible for ensuring that they have a proper working knowledge of the PACS system. This includes ensuring that all images are transmitted correctly and have the correct patient information. Performs irregular hour emergency scans when on call during odd shifts, on weekends and Holiday On-call coverage is rotated within the ultrasound modality. Requires the technologist to be available within I hour from receipt of call, so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 1:00pm to 9:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 553-92135-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Drug Testing: All applicants tentatively selected for employment, in a drug testing designated position, are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with the VA. In addition, any offer of employment will be rescinded with a verified positive drug test. VA employees in drug testing designated positions are also subject to post appointment random drug testing.

Requirements

Qualifications

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. 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 to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. Desired Certifications: Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Regulations Grade Level Requirement:GS-9: Candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies are met. Specialized Experience: Must possess at least (1) year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8) which is directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies 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, such as: 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 to location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled; and ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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. (Your experience must be detailed in your resume to receive full credit.) 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). References: Refer to VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-27, Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound), Qualification Standard, GS-649-9. The full performance level of this vacancy is 9. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending, lifting, and carrying of light items such as CR film cassettes. There is occasional moderate exertion such as lifting multi-exposure film cassettes or assisting other technicians in lifting and positioning patients. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript and/or diploma 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 John D Dingell Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 4646 John R Street Detroit, MI 48201 US
• Name: Cassandra Barlow
• Phone: 216-408-9680
• Email: [email protected]