This Medical Instrument Technician (MIT), Ultrasound, position is assigned to the Columbia VA Healthcare system, Radiology Service, Ultrasound section within the Medical Center. The Medical Instrument Technician, Ultrasound Technologist, employee at this level performs ultrasound procedures. Incumbent can carry out the assigned tasks independently. 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. 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. 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. Grandfathering Provision: 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).All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Such employees in an occupation that requires a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. 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: 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 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. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 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. *Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC) and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *Ability to manage and supervise employees. *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Preferred Experience: 1 year of 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 GS8 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Performs, all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, scrotum, chest, extremities, retroperitoneal space for purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Technologist meets the requirements set forth in Columbia VA HealthCare System POLICY/MEMORANDUM FOR BLS (RQI); BLS Certification is maintained per quarter and the technologist must maintain currency. Knows and understand the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized ultrasound and radiology equipment to approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. Receives and identifies patients using two (2) patient identifiers, explains methods of procedures, assists movement of patients to and from wheelchair, table, positions the patient and performs examinations as requested. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them. Technologist is responsible for and required to maintain credentials and licensure. Annual ARRT and/or RDMS certifications must be current and Continuing Education (CE) requirements must be met biennially. The technologist interprets the requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinician. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations and works independently. Follows departmental Policy and Procedure Manual. Supervision is for administrative, and the employee must contact the radiologist or Supervisor to clarify difficult situations. The technologist understands and carries out the requests made by providers or seeks assistance of the Supervisor when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is required. Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction, and diffraction. Selects between non-focused, fixed-focus, linear phased array, an annular phased array. The technologist must demonstrate skills in performing complex ultrasound procedures including color flow, Doppler carotid, and arterial Doppler exams. Knowledge of anatomy, cross sectional anatomy, and physiology such as the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems applicable to sonographic illustration to interpret the requested examination accurately. The technologist must be skilled in the technique of performing localization studies for invasive procedures such as biopsies and aspirations. Maintains sterile field for procedures such as biopsies and/or aspirations, drainage, etc. Thoroughly comprehends all processes for reusable medical devices (devices designed by the manufacturer to be reused by multiple patients) including initial training, proper setup (assembling the RMD in preparation for a procedure in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions), use and reprocessing. Advises radiologist of significant abnormalities which requires their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing exam. Participates in the training of physicians, students, and radiology technologists so these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Instructs students while performing the full range of ultrasound examinations; oversees the student as he/she performs examinations, providing immediate assistance or guidance. Perform all other duties as assigned Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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 #: 544-55505F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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