This position is located in the Medicine Service/Cardiology Section at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System (VALLHCS). This position serves as the Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiograph/PACS Manager) for Cardiology Services and oversees all cardiac imaging modalities, including non-invasive and invasive cardiac procedures utilizing imaging technology. This position is under general supervision of the Chief, Cardiology Section.

Duties

Medical Technologist: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technologist-Career-Flyer.pdf Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography/PACS Manager) provides support with picture archiving and storage system (PACS) application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems. This position is well-versed in cardiothoracic and cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, and has advanced knowledge and clinical skill set as Cardiology MIT in at least two main cardiac imaging modalities, such as: Cardiac echocardiogram, including 2D, 3D, M mode, continuous and pulse wave Doppler and color flow Doppler echocardiogram, special procedures such as stress echocardiogram, pharmacological stress echocardiography (Dobutamine), contrast echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography. Cardiac stress testing utilizing nuclear imaging (stress nuclear imaging with SPECT or PET, cardiac viability studies with PET) Electrocardiogram archiving systems. Cardiovascular computed tomography. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiac invasive procedures utilizing imaging (cardiac catheterization, fractional flow reserve studies, optical coherence tomography (OCT), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)). Duties include but are not limited to: Collaborates with local, regional, and VISN level Office of Information and Technology (OI&T), Biomedical Engineering management and PACS management from other clinical areas, Cardiology leadership, as well as vendors and clinical users. Ensures integration of all related systems and recommends corresponding upgrades. Oversee all cardiology related imaging programs and image archiving in the facility. Collaborate with the Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) Imaging manager, Radiology PACS Manager, Biomed Services, and IT Service for optimal functionality of cardiac imaging programs, compatibility across different software systems, appropriate interface with medical record, archiving of all cardiac images, and to cross-cover emergency MIT Specialty Assignment Imaging support outside tour of duty. Responsible for keeping a detailed inventory of all cardiology related imaging systems and request necessary upgrade to existing systems. Manages fiscal matters related to cardiac imaging equipment and programs, forecasts resource and equipment needs, and participates in evaluating new products. May be required to supervise lower-level Cardiology MIT, which includes responsibility of assignment of work performed, developing performance standards, and rating employees, planning, and scheduling work, and HR related duties such as recruiting staff and disciplinary action when appropriate. Surveys and identifies facility's training needs specific to Cardiac Imaging systems, develops a training plan, and conducts training. Designs and maintains a quality control program for all cardiac imaging systems that follow the requirements of Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and national cardiology society recommendations. Develops and/or implements routine security procedures including implementing a system security awareness program with such elements as security training and briefings to foster an awareness of PACS information security. Work Schedule: TBD Compressed/Flexible:TBD Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. 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: Ad-Hoc with supervisors approval. 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: 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. 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-10. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-9 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. 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. Examples of experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level include but are not limited to the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): 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. 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. 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 (*): Advanced knowledge of complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques. *Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program. *Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations. *Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget. *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. 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27. Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) Qualification Standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time. The technologist must be able to help lift and move patients to difficult positions at the bedside, inpatient or near the outpatient exam tables. They must occasionally wear a protective lead apron weighing approximately 5-10 pounds to minimize radiation exposure during cardiovascular and surgical fluoroscopic procedures, as needed. This additional weight not only causes a physical weight strain but adds significant head load to the person because of its insulated properties. Radiation exposure is monitored via dosimeters, as needed.

Education

There is no educational substitute for this grade.

Contacts

• Address Jerry L Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital 11201 Benton Street Loma Linda, CA 92357 US
• Name: Courtney Blansfield
• Phone: 602-751-1286
• Email: [email protected]