The Lead Echocardiography Technician (Lead ECHO Tech) is assigned to Cardiology Section and has knowledge of thoracic anatomy and physiology. The Lead ECHO Tech performs assigned duties of significant scope, complexity, and variety. The Lead ECHO Tech identifies and records anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler.

Duties

Practice: - Performs diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, 2-D, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display and color flow Doppler imaging. - Performs complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the 4 chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion, thrombus and pressure gradients across obstructed valves. - Performs transesophageal echocardiograms dobutamine and exercise stress and 3D echocardiograms. - Adapts transducer positioning, instrument controls and examination techniques to the individual patient and to the problem to be evaluated. - Monitors patient's condition during procedures. - Triages inpatient procedure requests on a daily basis. Ensures that inpatient exams are completed in a timely manner. - Accurately documents information in the medical record and any other clinical or administrative applications. - Technical expert in the operation, calibration and maintenance of the specialized equipment in the ECHO lab. - Performs digital image management and acts as Super User for imaging storage system. - Assists billing and coding with interpretation of exams and follow-up on outstanding billing and coding issues. - Completes encounters on all ECHOs performed, using the correct CPT codes, diagnosis, Service connection status and other field as required and assists management in overall encounter practices in ECHO laboratory. - Quality Management/Customer Service - Performs quality assurance reviews on ECHO equipment and processes. - Participates in facility conferences, task forces and committees as assigned. - Communicates effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels, patients and their families, and customers from outside facilities. Training: - Precepts new staff and cardiology trainees in their development of echocardiography imaging skills. - Serves as a consultant to other health care professionals related to ECHO procedures. - Develops, coordinates or presents educational programs toward improving productivity, patient outcomes and treatment modalities as needed and assigned. Other Duties: - Performs dys-synchrony evaluations and assist in the timing delays for BiVentricular Pacing. - In cooperation with management and the Cardiologists, analyzes and prioritizes equipment needs for the echocardiography laboratory. - Assists in the development of new policies and procedures that pertain to the echocardiography laboratory. - Coordinates with institutions, education and Human Resources for the placement of interns to the echocardiography laboratory. - Assists the scheduling clerk in determining appropriateness of consults, triage and priority when needed. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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: a. 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.) b. 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. c. 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-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. This would include specialized experience as an anesthesia technician which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide all aspects of anesthesia technician services including specialized duties. 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 through 6 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 7 and 8 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 1. Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures to include maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures. This includes the ability to perform these lab tests accurately and correctly. 2. Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment and repairing complex problems. *3. Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation procedures (i.e., balloon pump). 4. Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques. *5. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 6. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *7. Ability to manage and supervise employees. *8. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. Anesthesia technician certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 9. Physical Requirements. Able to meet the physical demands of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing duties of this job the Echocardiography Technician is frequently required to stand, walk, and bend and reach. Must be able to lift and/or move over 50 pounds. They must have good manual dexterity and keyboarding skills. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens.

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 Palo Alto VA Medical Center 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 US
• Name: Timothy McBrian
• Phone: 650-852-3216
• Email: [email protected]