The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT), Diagnostic Ultrasound, operates diagnostic ultrasound equipment that uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques to produce cross sectional and two- and three-dimensional images of internal organs and body structures. The Ultrasound Technician operates independently when performing highly detailed and complex ultrasound examinations; working in collaboration with the Radiologists for help providing a final interpretation. 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 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in 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-09: 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. For example: perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures; perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical 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 JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Preferred Experience: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. 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-09. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require extended periods of sitting, moderate walking, and standing. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items, or moving equipment around, such as the ultrasound machine. The work requires moderate lifting, usually less than 50 lbs. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are disabled on the stretcher requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of lifts and/or other employees. ["Major duties include, but are not limited to: Perform a full range of procedures and treatments without assistance including routine, complex, highly detailed, and unusual cases for which there are no standard instructions. Performs diagnostic ultrasound examinations on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to thyroid, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, portal and hepatic veins, spleen, kidneys, bladder, scrotum, uterus/ovaries/adnexae (transabdominal and transvaginal), and soft tissues. Performs routine and complex vascular ultrasound examinations, including, but not limited to, upper and lower extremity (r/o DVT), carotid arteries, pseudoaneurysm evaluation, renal arteries, abdominal aorta, and inferior vena cava. Have the ability to assist Radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. Also, have the ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. Advises radiologists of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Coordinates and performs ultrasound orientation and competency of new sonography staff, which is a shared responsibility of current sonographers, to ensure new staff contributes to team production as quickly as possible. Participates in the training of student sonographers from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives. Follows departmental policy and procedure manual. Assists and/or creates policies, procedures, and protocols that pertain to the ultrasound department while following VHA directives, Joint Commission regulations, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), American College of Radiology (ACR), and local policies. Works closely with PACS administrator to create and/or update orderables and correct CPT codes for all ultrasound exams and procedures. Maintains a quality assurance program of the ultrasound scanning equipment. Responsible for maintaining adequate supplies so that exams are not delayed due to lack of necessary equipment and/or supplies. Must possess knowledge of proper usage and identification of reusable medical equipment (RME) and its method for cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization process as provided. Submit RME for proper disposition following facility guidelines. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not available. Functional Statement #: 93517-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized"]

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