Summary The incumbent of this position independently performs standard US body, small parts and limited vascular (DVT, carotid, AAA) examinations. These exams to be performed at a minimum 100% of the workweek. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearranges patients scheduled to accommodate them. Maintains records and files of patients examined. Performs research studies as approved by Chief of Radiology. Responsibilities Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Advises radiologists or referring physicians 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, and extremities, and the 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 technologists 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. This requires maintaining a diagnostic log, patient schedule log, and procedure log, editing, and, when necessary, registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in the operation of equipment to ensure accurate results. Based on radiologic findings, determine the necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations. 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 sterile surgical techniques, syringes, needles, contrast agents, and other medical supplies. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize delays in examinations. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am -4:30 pm , Supervisor's discretion 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: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 612-00557-F 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound), GS-9 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. This would be a specialized experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge required to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. 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 (): Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques 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. Knowledge of the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Preferred Experience: Experience in Sonography. Reference: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54, PART II, APPENDIX G27.For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 09. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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.
