Summary The incumbent works in the Specialty Care Service, Cardiology Section, of the Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Palo Alto CA. The sonographer has intimate knowledge of thoracic anatomy and physiology related to cardiovascular function. Echocardiography technicians at this level identify and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant conditions from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler. Responsibilities The major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Responsible for all the technical quality of work performed in the lab. Responsible for ensuring procedures are accomplished within the established time frames and are coordinated with the other sections of the hospital. The MIT must be able to instruct lower level technicians in established works standards by clearly defining specific tasks and job technique requirements and providing on-the-job training. Provides scheduling for both inpatients and outpatients and ensures that patients requiring emergent or critical procedures are triaged appropriately. The MIT appropriately directs lower-level technicians regarding triage of emergent or critical procedures. Ensures procedures performed are appropriate and necessary based upon the information provided. Possesses specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide expert guidance to lower level technicians regarding special requests, unusual findings, emergency evaluations, or imaging difficulties. In both the inpatient and outpatient setting, the incumbent receives the patient and explains the purpose and methodology of the procedures in a manner that the patient will understand. Independently positions the patient in accordance to any patient limitations and obtains diagnostic ultrasound images of the heart and all required measurements. Performs specialized cardiac ultrasound examinations, including but not limited to: Transthoracic Echo Educates and prepares patients for transthoracic echo exam, Acquires high quality, diagnostic images and all required measurements, Uses ultrasound acquisition program to display images for side-by-side analysis and interpretation by physician, Performs dys-synchrony evaluations and assists in the timing delays for BiVentricular Pacing. Documented ability to perform a full study that includes obtaining 2D, Color flow and Doppler images of major cardiac structures and completion of a preliminary report within an hour. Stress Echo Educates and prepares patient for stress echo exam, Acquires high quality images during and after exercise stress protocol and as directed by the physician, Uses ultrasound acquisition program to display test and post exercise images for side-by-side analysis and interpretation by physician. Transesophageal Echo Prepares room and assembles necessary supplies and equipment ? Educates and prepares patient for transesophageal exam, Ability to assist in all areas of the transesophageal exam including obtaining, monitoring, and documenting vital signs and suctioning, Maximizes image quality and appropriate image acquisition while a physician manipulates the probe, ? Uses ultrasound acquisition program to display images for side-by-side analysis and interpretation by physician, Ability to follow strict guidelines regarding probe pre-cleaning and sterilization, Documented experience assisting the attending in performing 50 transesophageal echoes. Echocardiograms with the use of an Ultrasound Enhancing Agent Educates and prepares patient for echo with UEA examination, Ensures proper IV placement for optimal exam quality, Ensures proper documentation is in place regarding contraindications, Coordinates with provider and patient to ensure the acquisition of high quality, diagnostic images. Agitated Saline Bubble Echocardiograms Educates and prepares patient for bubble study exam, Ensures proper IV placement for optimal exam quality, Coordinates with provider and patient to ensure the acquisition of high quality, diagnostic images. Advanced Echocardiograms Strain imaging, 3D volumetric imaging, Participation in the structural heart program with knowledge and skill with 3D Zoom, MultiVue, MultiSlice, iCrop, Plane Crop, and Quick Vue. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 08:00-4:30pm Telework: Ad-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a trial period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). 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. 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. 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-9 Experience: At least 1 year experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-8, 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. GS-8 KSAs 1. Ability to produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display, and color flow Doppler imaging. 2. Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. 3. Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart and valves 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. 4. Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) transthoracic, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, (invasive) stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. 5. 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. AND GS-9 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. 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. Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of Cardiac Sonographer experience. GS-9 - 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) required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification required and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is desirable. 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-9. Physical Requirements: : The incumbent must be able to travel to treatment areas with ease while pushing an Echo Machine. The incumbent must be able to stand for up to 8-10 hours while providing patient care. The incumbent must be able to lift up to 20 pounds of equipment, supplies and records. The incumbent must be able to manipulate the probes during the procedure, pushing against the patient's chest to obtain the appropriate images. Additionally, the incumbent will be required to transport patients on stretchers, beds and wheelchairs. There is the potential for extended periods of sitting at computer terminals. The incumbent is expected to use proper preventive ergonomic techniques to perform duties. 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/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
