The incumbent works in the Cardiology Department as a Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiograph). The Echocardiography Technician operates independently and without direct supervision as the technician is responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic examinations. Echocardiography Technicians at this level functions proficiently in all aspects of Echo Cardiology Department.

Duties

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Ability to produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, three dimensional pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display, and color flow Doppler imaging 60% WORKLOAD. Knowledge of normal echocardiography findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. Performs ECG and is versed in MUSE System. Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves, etc. Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) transthoracic echocardiography, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography (invasive), stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. Ability to adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient being studied and the problem being evaluated including recognizing pertinent abnormalities and documenting abnormal findings. Technologist must utilize lead aprons, lead gloves and shield when exposed to radiation in the interventional lab. Adhere to Radiation Safety guidelines, properly determines technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization, positioning, required views, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging exams. Technologist is responsible for 24/48 hour Holter monitoring and Ziopatch testing. This constitutes additional 15% of workload daily. This includes uploading data, reviewing data and coordinating care with physicians. Technologists provide patient education on all procedures with documentation.8)Technologist is responsible for capturing work- load, by entering CPT codes into encounters. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning and prepping the patient for procedure. Ability to follow policy for sterilization process for TEE probes. Ability to complete diagnostic studies ordered by and in collaboration with physician on all tours of duty with minimal or no direct supervision; coordinates appointments/ workload per appropriateness of patients/staffing. Ability to accept verbal orders and record entries into the patient's medical record for the procedure performed. Ability to manage Echocardiography images in Centricity and copy to CD. Knowledge of more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques 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 Echocardiography. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. The ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Work Schedule: Variable days Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. 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. Grade Determinations: 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. (a) Experience. At least 1 year 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 experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): (b) 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 Echocardiography. *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. (c) 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. (d) 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. 1. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory echocardiography technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 level and make a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level. References: II-G27-28 VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Western New York Healthcare System 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 US
• Name: Sarah Cassidy
• Email: [email protected]