Summary This position is located at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center - Radiology Department. The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT), Ultrasound Sonographer, operates diagnostic ultrasound equipment that uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques to produce cross sectional and two- and three-dimensional images of internal organs and body structures. Responsibilities VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is 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 Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Medical Technologist: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technologist-Career-Flyer.pdf Duties: Performs diagnostic ultrasound examinations on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to thyroid, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, portal and hepatic veins, spleen, kidneys, bladder, scrotum, uterus/ovaries/adnexae (transabdominal and transvaginal), and soft tissues. Performs routine and complex vascular ultrasound examinations, including, but not limited to, upper and lower extremity (r/o DVT), carotid arteries, pseudoaneurysm evaluation, renal arteries, abdominal aorta, and inferior vena cava. Advises radiologists of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Participates in the training of physicians so that they may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams and the proper acquisition and ordering of ultrasound examinations. Coordinates and performs ultrasound orientation and competency of new sonography staff, which is a shared responsibility of current sonographers, to ensure new staff contributes to team production as quickly as possible. Sonographers shall advise radiology supervisor of the new staff's orientation and competency status. Instructs new sonography staff on imaging techniques, protocols, procedures, equipment use, etc. Protocols ultrasound orders for appropriateness. Makes recommendations to ordering provider for appropriate order based on clinical indication(s). Gathers related information via patient electronic medical record so that correlation of examinations to other studies may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment. Develops and maintains patient preparation procedures and reminder letters so that outpatients and inpatient wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize delays of examinations. Maintains effective control of the ultrasound area by coordinating, planning, and help organizing the daily work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments. Uses medical center software to help aid in job functions. Maintains a quality assurance program of the ultrasound scanning equipment and monitor. Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Perform operator preventive maintenance and care of equipment. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to the radiology supervisor. Complete daily gel warmer temperature log. Take appropriate actions if temperature is out of normal range. Communicates effectively and professionally with all internal and external customers. Performs others duties as assigns. Work Schedule: Multiple tours of duty may be available, possible weekends 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 #: 92641-0 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 probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination, if required. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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. Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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 and above. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. 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: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, GS0-9, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): GS-10 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 which include: 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 diagnostic ultrasonography. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: 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. Preferred Experience: Diagnostic/Vascular Ultrasound Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items such as cassettes. When performing special procedures, he/she must wear a protective lead apron weighing approximately five-nine pounds. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees. 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/. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.