Summary These positions are located in the Imaging/Radiology Service at the across the Salisbury VA Medical Centers & Health Care Clinics. Incumbent performs diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts such as, thyroid, breast, and scrotum; performs vascular studies such as carotid, venous, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. Responsibilities Duties include but may not be limited to the following: Advises Radiologists of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retro peritoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Performs ABI or Segmental Pressure studies. Assists the radiologist with ultrasound guided procedures such as biopsies, paracentesis, thoracentesis, etc. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patient and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephonic conversation. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the Radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. Assist Bio Med or service vendors with quality testing on the ultrasound unit using phantoms, test tools, test check list, etc. for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment. Incumbent is must be aware of the practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed Work Schedule: Multiple Work Schedules Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. 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 VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, Paragraph 5a. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-04 and GS-05 levels. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the United States must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional United States programs. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-06 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Preferred Candidates will hold ARDMS Credentialing. Grade Determinations: GS-09 Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-08), 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. Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs 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. Ability to manage and supervise employees. 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. References. VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27,Sub Appendix C, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, dated March 17, 2006. *The position is above Full Performance Level (GS-09). Physical Requirements. The physical demands of the work include moderate lifting and carrying, 15-44 pounds; good dexterity, use of both hands and fingers required; straight pulling and pushing; pulling hand over hand; reaching above shoulder; both legs required; prolonged walking, standing and repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services) 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 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.