Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities Duties Include: The incumbent performs outpatient, inpatient or emergent ultrasound studies either in the Ultrasound department or bedside (portable), records and processes images and prepares the processed media for interpretation by the Staff Radiologist. Assures images are properly identified with patient demographics and verifies archiving on PACS. The studies include but are not limited to: Abdomen - liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, abdominal aorta, vena cava and femoral arteries using Gray Scale, Real Time and multiple Doppler techniques to evaluate these structures for size, abnormal contour, cysts, tumors and various pathological disorders. Retroperitoneum -kidneys, adrenal glands, nodes, and urinary bladder using Gray Scale, Real Time and multiple Doppler techniques. Pelvis - urinary bladder, scrotum, prostate. Female pelvis performed with transabdominal and/ or endo cavity probe for ovaries, and uterus. Miscellaneous scans (small parts) to include thyroid, skin lesions, baker's cyst, hernias, etc. In addition to general ultrasound, may also perform renal doppler, hepatic doppler, transplant duplex, mesenteric, TIPS evaluation, AV fistulas, temporal arteries, upper and lower extremities, and other vascular studies (arterial or venous) as deemed by service leadership. ln cumbent assists with percutaneous punctures as directed by the Radiologist. The technologist performs studies localizing fluid-filled areas under ultrasound and employs sterile technique as indicated for punctures and biopsies. Receives and identifies patients using two (2) patient identifiers, prepares patients for exams and explains procedures, assists movement of patients to and from exam table, positions the patient, sets up and adjusts all imaging equipment including appropriate selection of technical factors, manually maneuvers transducer/probe to perform the exam. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them. Knowledge of anatomy, cross sectional anatomy, and physiology such as the location, appearance and function of the various major and minor systems applicable to sonographic illustration in order to interpret the requested examination accurately. Different artifacts from normal or pathological processes and recognizes electronic equipment limitations. Maintains and stocks all supplies used in the ultrasound work area, ensuring applicable products are within expiration date and stored properly. Thoroughly comprehends all processes for reusable medical devices including initial training, proper setup, use, storage, transport, pre-cleaning/reprocessing and maintenance according to VHA Directives, Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System Standard Operating Procedures and specific manufacturer guidelines. Training and demonstration of achieved independent skill level is validated annually. Participates in training of new employees in the section in accordance with established procedures and practices. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergent procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them. Reports equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor and Biomedical Engineering, and is competent to enter service requests/work orders, as appropriate. Assures timely/efficient completion of assigned workload. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Registered in Sonography by either the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS and/or RVT) or the American Registry of Radiology Technologists in ultrasound, ARRT Must maintain BLS. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55866F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN7HREDRP@va.gov, the VISN7EDRPFacilityCoordinators2@va.gov Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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. 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 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 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). 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. 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. 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 diagnostic ultrasonography. 2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. 4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. 5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification: Anesthesia technician certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is highly desired. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Participation in recognized professional organizations as a Board examiner, in the development of curricula for training, or testing for the Board is evidence of competence. 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/. 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.