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.

Duties

Duties include, but may not be limited to: Performance of examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. The ultrasound technologist sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam while being cognizant of sound ergonomic practices. The spectrum of the examinations performed includes but is not limited to: Abdomen for tumors, stones, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions, such as the pancreas, and sizes of organs and their locations, evaluations of the abdominal aorta for aneurysm and/or dissection, vascular ultrasound venous studies to evaluate deep vein thrombosis, peripheral arterial studies to evaluate for stenosis. Incumbent maintains effective control of the ultrasound area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing eth daily workload potential to expedite workflow patterns within various facets of imaging service and various services in the hospital. The sonographer works very closely with supervisor and the ultrasound scheduler to effectively coordinate health care activities and ensure that the procedural data is incorporated into management workload profiles and the computerized Patient Record System. The incumbent will perform a variety of diagnostic ultrasound exams/procedures both in the department and in a portable setting. The ultrasound technologist evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearranges patient schedules to accommodate such studies. Functions: A-L 90%, M-P 10% Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would requires the immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Protocols examinations for appropriateness, troubleshooting requests and closely interacting with referring physicians and radiologists. Performs 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. Performs routine informatics tasks using PACs, CPRS, VISTA and imaging systems work lists for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved, and scheduling and archival of imaging procedures accomplished. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results. On the basis of radiologic findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Follows established cleanliness and sterilization standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ultrasound transducers (probes), tables etc. May be required to perform complex diagnostic procedures for which there may be no specific guidelines. Assists the radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures, aspiration biopsies, and catheter placements for the purpose of diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and clinical in-patient wards and outpatient clinics understand the proper preparations of ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. 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 patients is thoroughly understood. Gathers related information from patient medical records, previous ultrasound examinations, other diagnostic imaging modalities, etc. so that correlation of examination to other studies may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. Required to operate ancillary diagnostic ultrasound imaging equipment such as peripheral vascular diagnostic systems. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Participates in the training of physicians, students and radiology technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principals of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor and service chief those that would improve the operation of the section. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policy/procedure of the medical center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Work Schedule: 8hours between 7:00am and 7:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50269A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-9. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this level may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and duties. 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. 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. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *Ability to manage and supervise employees. *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. 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. Preferred Experience: One year performing vascular and abdominal ultrasound, including but not limited to: abdomen/renal, aorta/doppler, pelvic/hernia, pelvic/transvaginal, renal doppler, scrotal doppler, thyroid, TIPS/Liver Duplex, Arterial Duplex, Av Fistula Duplex, Carotid, Segmental Pressures/ABI, Venous Competency, venous Doppler. Experience working in a inpatient facility. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position involves heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); moderate carrying (15-44 lbs); straight pulling (up to 0.5 hour); pushing (0.5 hour); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 4 hours); both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13"to 16"; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; specific visual requirement; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing without aid; rotate trunk side to side; tactile sensations (hot/cold); rotate forearms; and sit for 50+ minutes; no pacemaker. Environmental factors are: constant noise; unusual fatigue factors (on call requirement); working closely with others; working alone; protracted or irregular hours of work and magnetic fields/radiowaves.

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 VA SALT LAKE CITY HCS 500 Foothill Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84148 US
• Name: Tamara Martin
• Phone: (801) 584-1284
• Email: [email protected]