Summary The Lead Medical Instrument Technician (MIT)-Diagnostic Ultrasound/Vascular Technologist serves as an advanced ultrasound specialist, independently performing a broad spectrum of routine, specialized, and complex ultrasound and vascular imaging procedures at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System. Responsibilities VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System advocates for an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the @context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Major duties include but are not limited to: Perform duplex ultrasound examinations including B-mode, color Doppler, and pulsed-wave Doppler for carotid, abdominal, peripheral arterial and venous systems, and arteriovenous fistulas/grafts. Conduct advanced vascular studies such as ankle-brachia! index (ABI), arterial waveforms, palmar arch testing, thoracic outlet evaluations, renal and mesenteric duplex, aortic aneurysm (AAA) surveillance, and post-EVAR assessments. Adjust scanning parameters to optimize diagnostic image quality based on patient condition and suspected pathology. Triage and prioritize vascular referrals according to patient symptoms, urgency, and clinical indicators. Independently perform complex and technically demanding vascular examinations requiring advanced skill, including detailed access graft/fistula evaluations, venous reflux studies, and specialized protocols. Recognize significant or emergent abnormalities during scanning and immediately communicate findings to ordering providers or vascular surgeons. Provide real-time visualization assistance during vascular procedures when requested. Generate preliminary technical impressions and prepare diagnostic images for interpretation. Notify providers promptly when critical findings are identified. Document completed studies in accordance with established vascular laboratory protocols and accreditation standards. Assist with updating and maintaining vascular lab protocols. Ensure studies meet quality requirements consistent with laboratory accreditation standards. Provide input regarding equipment needs, imaging technology, and upgrades. Work Schedule: 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD593-10871-F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Requirements Conditions of Employment To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume 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. 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 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". 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. 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. 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). OCHCO Bulletin: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages Dated 10/8/2020 Veterans Preference is waived for 0649 Medical Instrument Technicians. FY 2021 VHA Shortage Occupations Approved for Waiver of Veterans' Preference. Grade Determinations-GS-10: In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-9 level, positions at this grade may be supervisory or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-09), which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Completion of 1-year experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Must have at least one year of experience comparable to the GS-9 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 advanced experience performing full range of vascular ultrasound procedures, and to make appropriate adjustments in established procedures, doppler spectral analysis of flow dynamics and pathology in neck, abdomen, upper and lower extremity arterial and venous vessels, graft and/or stents; and techniques to obtain the optimal images required for clinical diagnosis and documentation. In addition, experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform more complex and non-routing ultrasound tests and examinations, and to function as a technical leader of the ultrasound laboratory and provide oversight and/or guidance to other technicians. Preferred Experience: Must have at least one year of relevant experience at the next lower grade level, demonstrating the ability to perform all vascular ultrasound tests, act as technical advisor, and provide guidance to other technicians. Required qualifications include experience in a diagnostic ultrasound setting, current RDMS credentials, and RVS or RVT certification is highly desired. Candidates should show commitment to ongoing professional development, patient care. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. References: VA Handbook 5005/54 Part II Appendix G27 Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard Physical Requirements: This position requires to undergo a pre-placement physical. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. 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. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
