Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Description:

The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) position is located in the Diagnostic Radiology Service Line located at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center. The incumbent in this position is required to complete vascular examinations 40% of the normal workweek and general sonography examinations 40% of the workweek with 20% of the time dedicated to administrative duties and ergonomic safety.

Requirements:

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.
• 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.

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:

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. Examples of experience may include, but is not limited to the following: perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures and perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required; performing diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum; performing vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, carotid, upper and lower extremities, etc.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

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 Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and other regulatory requirements.
3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.

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: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The work requires long periods of standing, walking and repetitive use of hands and wrists. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs. Patient mental status and physical habitus will require the incumbent to be able to assist patients during transfer that is required of examinations. Specific vision abilities required by this job function include but not limited are close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.