Summary The Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician at this grade level must be able to work independently and make appropriate decisions with little interaction from the supervisor. This position is in the Radiology Department at the North Columbus VA Health Care Clinic Responsibilities DUTIES a. Explain examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained to assure diagnostic examinations for treatment and diagnosis of disorders. Obtains written consent whenever necessary (interventional, e.g., biopsy, aspiration, etc.). b. Reviews related information found in the patient's electronic medical record to correlate lab and x-ray for the radiologist. c. Provides and sends ultrasound images and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be provided in a timely manner. d. Operates multi-image camera for making hard copy records of ultrasound examinations. e. Assures that preventative maintenance and any required Quality Assurance (QA) is completed in a timely manner. f. Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the ultrasound area, there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions. g. Follows Standard procedure for disinfection of transducers. As well as information on recalls and work arounds for issues arising from recalls. h. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. i. Is the sole point of contact for ultrasound representing Radiology for all external surveys including but not limited to The Joint Commission and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). j. Creates training program and implements such to be used during clinical education of local college ultrasound students. Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm - Monday-Friday Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 619-54142F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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 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. Completed a full-time training course of at least 24 months (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic Radiologic Technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associates degree, accredited by the Join Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). All applicants must be certified in general Radiologic Technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology(ARRT) (R) and posses Advanced ARRT certification is required for Ultrasonography. 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: Experience: At least 1 year of experience to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Advanced DRT. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and are able to carry out the assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs: a. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures; b. Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers; c. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure; d. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography; e. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; and f. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: Preferred recent experience performing Diagnostic Radiology procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Position requires long periods of standing and walking (up to 5 hours), repeated bending (5 hours), lifting and carrying of moderately heavy items such as cassettes for fast film changes (15-44 pounds), pushing (1 hour). Requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Ability to reach above shoulder required. Both hands required and use of fingers required. Must be able to lift, carry and move heavy equipment/patients routinely. Near vision correctable at 13-16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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.