This position is located at the Edward Hines, Jr VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois 60141 (578) - a Level 1a Complexity and is organizationally aligned under the Medicine Service Line (MSL). Under the direction of the Cardiology Manager (Clinical Administrative Specialist), incumbent exercises supervisory responsibility for a staff of non-supervisory Medical Instrument Technician (EKG/ECHO) and one Lead Echocardiography Technician and one Lead EKG Technician..

Duties

Clinical: (not limited to) A. Performs all cardiac ultrasound examinations independently of the cardiac circulatory system (heart and surrounding structures) for the purpose of acquiring high quality ultrasounds that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient's medical disorders. B. Demonstrates skill in obtaining trans-thoracic echocardiograms in all views based on protocol. Obtains color flow and Doppler images and measurements as defined by protocols. C. Proficient in performing complementary ultrasonic examinations (non-invasive and invasive) such as transthoracic, bubble studies, contrast echocardiography, stress echocardiography and Dobutamine stress echocardiography. D. Adjusts TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality through utilization of knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body. E. Uses knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties as well as knowledge of zoom, expansion, color flow Doppler, pulsed Doppler in the daily performance of ultrasound imaging F. Interacts and communicates with the patient, using knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy and physiology, to obtain a brief history and physical pertinent to cardiovascular disease with familiarity of the associated signs and symptoms. G. Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study, as well as, any requirements of the patient is thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained in an effort to get diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders. H. Properly sets up ultrasound equipment for standard, routine, and semi-complex procedures. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient. On the basis of radiologic and clinical findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. I. Abides by and follows procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations. J. Understands and follows the preparation of patients for procedures (pharmacologic stress/exercise stress exams) and TEE.K. Advises cardiologist or the referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing the examination. L. Gathers related information (i.e. other ultrasound studies, CT's, fluoroscopic, etc.) so that correlation of examinations to other studies may be made by the cardiology staff in the diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders. M. Participates in ICAEL accreditation activities. N. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the provider responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that the treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely manner. O. Provides training to physicians, fellows, residents, medical students, and ultrasound students so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of cardiac ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. P. Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved. This requires maintaining a patient schedule, editing/copying digital media as needed, and storing/maintaining digital images. Q. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to lack of necessary equipment and supplies. R. Stores studies digitally for the purpose of keeping records of ultrasound examinations, so that future ultrasound examinations may be compared. S. Assists biomedical engineering in performing quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit using phantoms, test tools, test check lists, etc., for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment. Maintains records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be necessary. T. Documents in the EMR procedure request as needed. Supervisory/Administrative: A. Review and make recommendations regarding new and emerging procedures. B. Provide instruction and training to new staff. C. Interview candidates for positions and recommend selections. D. Recommend employee advancements and promotions. E. Evaluate technician performance and productivity with input from the technician's attending cardiologist. F. Take disciplinary action when necessary. G. Implement process improvements to improve efficiency. H. Identify educational or training needs. I. Alternate COR for department; manages contracts, equipment, obtains vendor quotes. Other related duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7;00AM -4:00PM Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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. 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. 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-10 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. 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. Advanced knowledge of complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques. *2. Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program. *3. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations. *4. Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget. *5. Knowledge of and ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluation; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions. 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. Supervisory Echocardiography Technician. Individuals at this level plan and direct programs at affiliated medical centers and satellite outpatient clinics and have full supervisory responsibility for a large staff of non-supervisory personnel and at least one subordinate team leader or supervisor. Typically these duties include assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff resolving problems which may interfere with patient examination or treatment; providing echocardiography technician services in more complex and non-standard cases; evaluating new products and equipment and making recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations; participating as an instructor in the facility's clinical training program; making final decisions on selections based on recommendations from subordinate supervisors or leads; evaluating performance; taking disciplinary action when necessary; and identifying educational or training needs. Preferred Experience: previous leadership and echo experience, certification and BLS (BLS is required at this facility, please provide copy of this in your application). References: VHA Handbook 5005 Part II appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS10. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. There may be some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items.

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 Edward Hines Junior Hospital 5000 South 5th Avenue Hines, IL 60141 US
• Name: Angela Godbee
• Phone: 706-691-3942
• Email: [email protected]