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This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT to establish an applicant pool to fill vacancies more quickly as they occur. Eligible applications will be reviewed for consideration as vacancies occur, but no sooner than 15 business days after the opening date of the announcement. Position is located in the Radiology Service Line, within the Ultrasound Section. Diagnostic Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other-diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. 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. 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". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. Grade Determinations: GS-9: Positions at this grade may be lead, 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. This would be specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. 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. 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. 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. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory diagnostic ultrasound technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 level and make a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level. Lead Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician. In certain programs, either because of their size and scope or because of a lack of specific supervisory positions, lead positions may be appropriate. Preferred Experience: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: There is a combination of potentially extended periods of standing, walking, and lifting of items weighing up to 20 pounds such as portable grids, x-ray cassettes, computer paper boxes, etc. Incumbent must be able to travel to the distinct treatment areas with ease. ["Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Operates an Ultrasound system. Develops new techniques, defines optimal protocols, and devises alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient. Evaluates new protocols and work processes and compares them with existing methodologies. Interacts with physicians, nurses, residents, and other medical center clinical and administrative ancillary staff on a recurring basis in the performance of daily assignments. Operates all ancillary equipment necessary to complete non-invasive and invasive examination, ornnicell unit, 02 insufflator, defibrillator, pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitors, and patient resuscitation devices. Technologist are to ensure that the crash carts in the area are available and unopened. Performs examinations with the Ultrasound system, monitors patient during all phases of appropriate examinations and removes patient from Ultrasound table upon completion of the examination. Operates all computer network devices necessary to route images to PACS and Teleradiology upon completion of examination. Prior to the exam, technologist is responsible for clarifying the scanning protocol, via the protocol manual or radiologist instructions. Confers with radiologist to establish requirements with reference to vital signs, medications, allergies, and other physiological monitoring prior to performing the examination. Technologist will be familiar with interventional radiology procedures in order to perform the anticipated needs of the radiologist during biopsies. The technologist will have the ability to work within a sterile field. The technologist will ensure that the appropriate supplies are available prior to starting a procedure, or notify the appropriate officials/departments if supplies are not present. Localizes fluid filled areas and lesions under ultrasound and employs sterile technique as indicated for exam. Performs intraoperative ultrasound examinations as ordered to include ELVS, and localization. The technologist will assist and may be required to scrub in with the radiologist during the procedure on an as needed basis. Utilizes medical center Infection Control Guidelines and instructions when cleaning and disinfecting ultrasound transducers; it is expected to be competent in all general diagnostic ultrasound procedures. The Ultrasound/MIT Technologist registers patient and procedure(s) in the VISTA Radiology Package, obtains the appropriate case number and status tracks images to indicate that the procedure has been completed to ensure correct workload capture, the technologist must be cognizant of Common Procedure Codes and Add/edit Radiology case numbers to reflect exactly what exams were performed. The technologist will review images/image sets upon completion to ensure acceptable image quality prior to sending images to the PACS for interpretation. Retrieves pertinent patient information from the Computerized Patient Record System(CPRS) when necessary. Enters patient education and other notes in the EMR when necessary. Technologist is knowledgeable of Teleradiology guidelines and maintains technical skills to ensure that images are successfully routed off-station. The technologist must ensure that images are successfully transferred to the intended destination prior to leaving their duty station. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Tours of duty will vary from: 8am-4:30pm, 9am-5:30pm, or weekend shift, hours may be changed based on needs of the agency. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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