The purpose of the work is to perform diagnostic ultrasound studies for the evaluation of various organ systems including the gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, genitourinary, vascular, lymphatic, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems. The technician's past experience, training and ability is such that the radiologist accepts as fact the incumbent's ability and knowledge to perform the very difficult, wide range (to include Doppler, vascular and surgical) complex procedures. 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. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is 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". 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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: 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 KS As 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Licensed and accredited through ARDMS One or more years' experience Knowledge of applicable computer programs References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Light carrying (under 15 lbs); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 4 hours); Standing (up to 4 hours); Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in other. ["Major duties include, but not limited to: Work independently without supervision, performing 2-D ultrasound examinations of the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, scrotum, and extremities by the proper selection and manipulation of ultrasound transducers and appropriate adjustments of a variety of ultrasound parameters. Utilize pulse-wave, color-flow or power Doppler technique during the evaluation of vascular structures, when appropriate. Assist in the performance of ultrasound guided core needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration procedures. Understand the proper use of all ultrasound equipment and be able to operate the equipment in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Follow established hospital and service procedures for confirming patient identification and correct patient examination. Select appropriate ultrasound machine setup parameters depending on the specific organ system being interrogated. Instruct and assist the patient in assuming the proper position for examination. Appropriately assess the patient for any pain during the procedure and provides this information to the attending radiologist in a timely manner. Select an appropriate transducer and adjust all equipment parameters according to the organ system being imaged and patient body habitus. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in his or her assigned service areas. The equipment used is a very sophisticated gray scale real time digital diagnostic ultrasound system with color flow doppler and power doppler. The coordination of the manipulation of the transducer and the digital converter must be precise if the optimum shades of gray and color doppler are obtained on the sonogram. Standard operating procedure covers the basic ultrasonic examination. However, the technician must use judgment to deviate from standard procedures to compensate for patient injuries, illness or physical disabilities in accordance with established precedent. The incumbent will have knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) as required by this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain current knowledge of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME appropriate to this position. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm (Temple location has rotating on-call, nights/weekends/holidays) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) / PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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