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The Medical Instrument Technician (Ultrasound) position is located in the Radiology Department at the White River Junction VA Healthcare location. This position is an intermittent position. 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. Proficient in both spoken and written English. 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: GS-8 Experience At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. Assignment. This represents the full performance level for medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound). At this level the technician is required to perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. They perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. They also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call. References: VA Handbook 5005/54 Part II Appendix G27. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: This position may require heavy lifting, 45 lbs. or more. It may require standing for long periods of time, as well as pushing and pulling (stretchers, portable units). It also requires walking, kneeling and repeat bending. At times this position will require the ability for raid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. It requires working closely with others, working alone and irregular hours of work. ["The duties of this occupation include, but are not limited to the following: Performs complex ultrasound examinations including abdominal, renal, GYN and small parts scanning, Doppler exams, etc.; Performs computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, complications and/or quality improvement activities; Responsible for the quality assurance of the image (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network; Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient; Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of nonstandard exams; Schedules patients for examinations; Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate action; Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education; Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of patient logbooks, registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system and logging/confirming patients on the HIS-RIS work list; Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D. and the request are identical; Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible; Continually reviews new developments in the filed of ultrasound. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes; Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby/on call, 24 hours per day, coverage. Work Schedule: Variable 8:00am to 8:00pm, on call weeknights, weekends and holidays. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PDF04683 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. Notifications: -This position is in the Excepted Service. -This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position. -This position is covered by a special rate. -The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's.-Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. -Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment."]

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