BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)

Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). 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.

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

Grade Determinations:

Creditable Experience - Knowledge of Current Medical Instrument Technician Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics associated with current Medical Instrument Technician practice appropriate to the identified specialty area.(3) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and is directly related to the position/specialty to be filled.(4) Part-time Experience. Part time experience is credited according to its relationship to a full time work week. For example, an individual employed 20 hours per week, or on a ½ time basis would receive one work week credit for each two weeks of service. (This must be included in your resume)

GS-9.
In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, 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.

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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27 dated March 17, 2006

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is ONLY at the GS-9 level.

Physical Requirements: Perform procedures at patients' bedsides. Ultrasound technicians may be on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn patients who are ill or disabled. Position requires lifting of 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying of items (15 - 45 pounds); long periods of standing (up to 5 hours) and walking ( up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 4 hours); both hands and legs required; use of fingers; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of color.

OCHCO Bulletin Subject: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated October 3, 2024. This authority permits the Secretary to recruit and appoint qualified individuals to occupations reported as having the largest staffing shortages, notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. §§ 3304 and 3309 through 3318 (i.e., competitive service and Veterans' preference). While this authority supports VHA in addressing staffing shortages and the need to be flexible in hiring top talent to support urgent mission needs, the VA highly encourages the hiring of Veterans.