The Cincinnati, OH VA Medical Center is recruiting for a Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) located in the Imaging section of Radiology Service.

Duties

Major Duties: This specialty modality uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The technologist must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in ultrasound, and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and can carry out his/her assignment independently. Performs, in a hospital setting all ultrasound 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, retro peritoneal space, scrotal, pelvic and endovaginal for purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. May also perform vascular imaging of the aorta. The technologist interprets the requests or instructions from the Radiologist or clinician. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations and works independently. Follows departmental Policy and Procedure Manual. Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction, and diffraction. Selects between non-focused, fixed-focus, linear phased array, an annular phased array. Maintain adequate inventory so that examinations are not delayed due to lack of supplies. Knowledge of anatomy, cross sectional anatomy, and physiology such as the location, appearance and function of the various major and minor systems applicable to sonographic illustration in order to interpret the requested examination accurately. Advises radiologist of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing exam. Participates in the training of physicians, students and radiology technologists so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principals of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Instructs students while performing the full range of ultrasound examinations; oversees the student as he/she performs examinations, providing immediate assistance or guidance. Assists section supervisor and Radiologists in establishing protocols for routine examinations and makes independent judgments when it is necessary to deviate from standard procedures. Maintains knowledge of the status and progress of work, and makes adjustments in accordance with established priorities, obtaining assistance from the supervisor on problems that may arise, such as backlogs that cannot be disposed of promptly. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): 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 in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, 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. 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". 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. Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 Hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. 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 Grade Requirements: Definitions: For purposes of this qualification standard the specialty areas of this occupation have been grouped into [seven] functional areas. These are: Cardiovascular (Electrocardiograph Technician, Cardiac Catheterization Technician) Medical (Hemodialysis Technician) Surgical (Perfusion Technician, Anesthesia Technician) Neurology (Electroencephalograph Technician, Polysomnography Technician) Pulmonary (Pulmonary Function Technician), and Imaging (Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician, Echocardiograph Technician, and Vascular Technician) [Gastroenterology (GI Technician)] Medical Instrument Technicians at GS-6 and above will have a functional assignment and reference should be made to the appropriate appendix for qualifications evaluation. Grade level criteria, KSAs (core competencies), and typical assignment information for all GS-4 and GS-5 levels are defined generically in this part of the qualification standard. For higher level positions where the grade level/assignment is based on supervisory and/or managerial responsibilities, criteria are also included in the general portion of this qualification standard (for individuals in multiple function assignments) and/or the specific appendices. For non-supervisory positions at GS-6 and above and for supervisory positions in a single specialty, the grade level criteria, KSAs, and types of assignments are discussed in appendices matching the title areas listed below. Reference should be made to the appropriate appendix in evaluating the qualifications of individuals for this occupation. Titles and Certifications/Registrations: All individuals assigned to this occupation MUST have an approved parenthetical title. For individuals at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels, the approved title will be Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee). For supervisory positions over two or more approved specialties, the approved title will be Supervisory Medical Instrument Technician (Multiple Function). Supervisors over a single specialty will have that specialty as the parenthetical title; for example, Supervisory Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Catheterization). Non-supervisory individuals whose assignments involve two or more specialty areas will be assigned the parenthetical title for the predominant specialty considering both the intended function and qualifications background of the individual. 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 ½ 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items such as cassettes. Use of mobile ultrasound units in the main hospital and in the operating room requires twisting, turning to manipulate the ultrasound unit. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

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 Cincinnati VA Medical Center 3200 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45220 US
• Name: Kelly Webb
• Email: [email protected]