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. 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. 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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Grade Determinations: GS-9. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this level may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and duties. 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 include specialized experience as an anesthesia technician which demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide all aspects of anesthesia technician services including specialized duties. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1 through 6 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 7 and 8 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment: 1. Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures to include maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures. This includes the ability to perform these lab tests accurately and correctly. 2. Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment and repairing complex problems. 3. Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation procedures (i.e., balloon pump). 4. Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques. 5. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 6. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. 7. Ability to manage and supervise employees. 8. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Preferred Experience: Three (3) or more years performing ultrasound and vascular ultrasound diagnostic imaging exams. Proficiency in the performance of the following imaging exams: arterial duplex, AV fistula duplex, carotid, segmental pressures/ABI, venous competency, abdomen/renal, aorta/doppler, pelvic/hernia, pelvic/transvaginal, small parts, TIPS, renal doppler Proficiency scanning in inpatient/outpatient/emergent setting. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position involves heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); moderate carrying (15-44 lbs); straight pulling (up to 0.5 hour); pushing (0.5 hour); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 4 hours); both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13"to 16"; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; specific visual requirement; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing without aid; rotate trunk side to side; tactile sensations (hot/cold); rotate forearms; and sit for 50+ minutes; no pacemaker. Environmental factors are: constant noise; unusual fatigue factors (on call requirement); working closely with others; working alone; protracted or irregular hours of work and magnetic fields/radiowaves. ["***This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until March 14, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be September 28, 2022. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.*** Duties include, but may not be limited to: works closely with supervisor and the ultrasound scheduler to effectively coordinate health care activities and ensure that the procedural data is incorporated into management workload profiles and the computerized Patient Record System. performs a variety of diagnostic ultrasound exams/procedures both in the department and in a portable setting evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures rearranges patient schedules to accommodate such studies advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would requires the immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination troubleshoots requests and closely interacts with referring physicians and radiologists performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. performs routine informatics tasks using PACs, CPRS, VISTA and imaging systems work lists for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings follows established cleanliness and sterilization standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ultrasound transducers (probes), tables etc. performs complex diagnostic procedures for which there may be no specific guidelines assists the radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures, aspiration biopsies, and catheter placements for the purpose of diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques. develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and clinical in-patient wards and outpatient clinics understand the proper preparations of ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients is thoroughly understood. gathers related information from patient medical records, previous ultrasound examinations, other diagnostic imaging modalities, etc distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. operates ancillary diagnostic ultrasound imaging equipment such as peripheral vascular diagnostic systems maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies participates in the training of physicians, students and radiology technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principals of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor and service chief those that would improve the operation of the section. Work Schedule: Mon- Fri 7:00am-3:30pm or 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50269A Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact liz.licea@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
