This position is primarily assigned to Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, however, may be assigned to other sites within the Chicago Healthcare System (CHS). The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) performs routine and complex ultrasound examinations. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearranges patients scheduled to accommodate them. Maintains records and electronic files of patients examined. Cross ­indexes interesting cases for teaching purpose.

Duties

Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative in the application of non-ionizing high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease in the clinic or on the wards. Performs ultrasonography studies, records and processes images as well as prepares the processed media for interpretation by the Staff Radiologist. Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest. gyn and extremities, retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Participates in the training of physicians, students and radiology technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved. Assists the radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures, aspiration biopsies (liver, kidneys, thyroid), and catheter placements for the purpose of diagnostic :treatment using ultrasound techniques. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. Performs quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit using phantoms, test tools, test check lists, etc. for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment. Maintains the quarterly records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be necessary. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7am - 5:30pm on calls and weekends. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00951F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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. 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-06 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 Experience: In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-09 level, positions at this grade may be supervisory or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. AND, 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 (*): KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 is to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 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. 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. Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) 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. Special Assignments: There may be a rare non-supervisory position supporting this grade level. Such a position would typically include knowledge of standards of medical practice in applicable medico-legal responsibilities in diagnostic ultrasound procedures; developing protocols and clinical research projects; developing and updating technical policy and procedure manuals; as well as teaching the correct methodology of diagnostic ultrasound procedures, theory of operations, and theory of interpretation of results to trainees. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 820 South Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60612 US
• Name: Yasmin Scott
• Phone: 910-488-2120 X1499
• Email: [email protected]