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

The GS-10 Echocardiography and Electrocardiography technician is an expert technician in a supervisory role. The expert technician has an intuitive grasp of each situation and zeroes in on the accurate region of the problem without wasteful consideration of a large range of unfruitful solutions or interventions. The expert technician is resourceful, fluid, flexible, and highly proficient in their duties. Duties related to this position include, but are not limited to the following: Performs and supervises diagnostic quality images and doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, 2-D, 3-D, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display and color flow Doppler imaging, strain imaging, and directing the work of subordinate technicians. Performs and monitors 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, pericardial effusions, thrombi, and pressure gradients across obstructed valves. Performs and monitors Transesophageal Echoes, Dobutamine and Exercise Stress Echoes and 3D Echoes. Adapts transducer positioning, instrument controls and examination techniques to the individual patient and to the problem to be evaluated. Identifies and records anomalies indicative of disease, injury. Provides initial technical interpretations regarding adequacy of study, recognizes and informs referring physician and cardiologist of immediate potentially life-threatening conditions or critical values per policy. In selected cases, may perform ultrasound utilizing intravenous contrast agents including agitated saline or commercial contrast agents to improve the quality of the imaging or to evaluate for intracardiac or intrapulmonary shunts. Monitors patient's condition during procedures. Accurately documents information in CPRS, ISCV/Xcelera, Muse 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. Ensures that all studies transfer to ISCV/Xcelera and PACS appropriately. Is responsible for the administrative aspects of the ISCV/Xcelera system such as merging of studies, adding new providers, burning studies to CD/DVD, editing studies that have been changed by the Cardiologist. 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 section. Follows strict adherence to sterile technique, infection control, and safety practices. Transports patients pre- and post-procedure Ø Precepts Echocardiography students from certified programs when necessary Coordinates and revises work schedules of MIT- Echocardiography and MIT-Electrocardiography activities, including leave and coverage, and analyzes tests completed by subordinates for quality assurance and diagnostic quality. Supervises other Echo and ECG Medical Instrument Technicians at Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). This may involve traveling to CBOCs for oversight. Performs Echo studies in the Cardiology Clinics and Inpatient units, and relieves other technicians when necessary. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: A. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. B. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. C. Grandfathering Provision: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). D. 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. E. Preferred Experience: 3 years of supervisory experience; at least 3 years of echocardiography, ECG, and/or cardiac sonographer experience; at least 2 years of experience in Veterans Affairs F. Grade Determinations:: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements. Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-10 (a) 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. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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. 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. **NOTE: all applicants must demonstrate the possession of KSA's in their resume. KSA's must be detailed and must be reflected in the duties related to previous or current employment G. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15, PART II, APPENDIX G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard dated March 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. H. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019; This position involves considerable amount of standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and turning. Requires carrying or lifting of objects weighing up to 50 lbs., but occasionally may require work that involves pushing or lifting more than 50 pounds and going up and down flights of stairs. The position requires visual and auditory acuity at a level to provide safe and effective nursing care. The position requires the nurse to work for periods of time with arms above shoulder level or with neck in a fully flexed or extended position and the ability to physically control or defend against emotionally ill clients. Requires use of hands for actions such as typing, simple grasping, fine manipulation, and repetitive actions. Requires the ability to frequently respond to multiple demands and priorities. Has potential for exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous waste and chemicals. Ability to distinguish shades of colors Ability to effectively utilize a stethoscope and distinguish breath and heart, and bowel sounds; Emotional and mental stability - ability to effectively perform the essential functions of the position and respond appropriately in emergency situations.

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 Northern California Health Care System 10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 US
• Name: Frances Medina
• Phone: 000-000-0000
• Email: [email protected]