This is a Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) position located at the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHCS) in Imaging Services.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Performs independently ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space, pelvis, GYN, including Aorta's for acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Provides the training for radiology technicians, and medical residents so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. They also will serve as sole clinical instructor for the local college for ultrasound students for our facility. Performs routine clerical procedures as necessary to include calling patients the day prior to remind them of their appointments and describe any exam prep required. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results. Based on radiologic findings, determines necessary ultrasound procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Assists the radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures, aspiration biopsies, and catheter placements for diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques. This requires the use of surgical sterile techniques, syringes, needles, contrast, etc. Develops protocols, preparation instructions, and SOPs that maintains patient prep procedures so that patients, nurses understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize delays of examinations. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation. 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 are thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained to assure diagnostic examinations for treatment and diagnosis of disorders. Obtains written consent whenever necessary (interventional, e.g., biopsy, aspiration, etc.). Reviews related information found in the patient's electronic medical record to correlate lab and x-ray for the radiologist. Provides and sends ultrasound images and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be provided in a timely manner. Operates multi-image camera for making hard copy records of ultrasound examinations. Assures that preventative maintenance and any required Quality Assurance (QA) is completed in a timely manner. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 10 AM - 6 PM Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 619-54142F 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: 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. 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 and above. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. 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 grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. 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 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) at that level. This would be specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. GS-8 KSAs. The candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum. 2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. 3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. 4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. 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). KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. 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 diagnostic ultrasonography. *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Strongly Preferred Experience: Certification - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) for Ultrasound. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required, mechanical lifts are provided.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Montgomery 215 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36109 US
• Name: Morgan Hogeland
• Phone: 205-933-8101 X412220
• Email: [email protected]