Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

The MIT Ultrasound Diagnostic position is in the REC-D ICC Imaging Service, Ultrasound Section at the Syracuse VAMC. The Syracuse VAMC is a tertiary care facility providing acute medical, surgical, rehabilitative, emergency, and intensive care/services; in addition to a vast array of outpatient specialty service, spinal cord injury center, and extensive primary care and specialty program/services.

Qualifications:

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.
• Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.
• Licensure or Certification: 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".
• 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:

Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) GS-9

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.

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 the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) with certification in Sonography or Vascular Sonography, or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), preferably in AB or VT. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable.

Preferred Experience: At least one year experience in a hospital setting. Diagnostic general and advanced vascular ultrasound experience.

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-9.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Responsibilities:

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS A INTERMITTENT POSITION

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Major duties include but are not limited to:

• Gathers related information such as patient electronic chart, PACS images, so that correlation of examinations to other studies may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and treatment recommendation for medical disorder(s).
• Performs non-vascular ultrasound examinations of the neck, chest, abdomen & pelvis for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders.
• Performs complex vascular ultrasound examination of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders.
• Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to ensure accurate results. On the basis of radiologic findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings.
• Uses independent interpretation of the ultrasound image. Advises radiologists, vascular physician or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing the examination.
• Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information in a timely manner to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams.
• Maintains accurate ultrasound records for easy recall access to include maintaining a diagnostic log, patient schedule log and procedures log; editing and when necessary registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS).
• Maintains adequate supplies and equipment.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized VISTA system as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.
• Performs digital transfer of images from the various ultrasound imaging systems to the PACS.
• Assists quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit to ensure peak performance of the ultrasound equipment and maintains quality assurance records.
• Performs housekeeping duties to assure the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary and uses aseptic techniques in examination process.
• Stays current on changing and new developments in the field.
• Provides staff and student training on ultrasound procedures/processes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Intermittent
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00181-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Salary : $417