Vascular Technicians or Vascular Sonographers operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation, and abdominal circulation. 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. 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: Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular) GS-10 In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-9 level demonstrated by the following: 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 vascular ultrasonography; knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements; ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. The following as applicable to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Positions at the GS9 grade may be 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. 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. Advanced knowledge of the most complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques. *Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program. *Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations. *Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget. *Knowledge of and ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluation; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions. Preferred Experience: 3-5 years experience as a Vascular Sonographer; Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are highly desirable. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. ["A recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Major duties include but are not limited to: Operate and maintain the treadmill, photoplethysmography, electronic Doppler, duplex scanner and other monitoring devices that are available for these procedures. Independently set up inpatient appointments, perform the studies, and record the results. Show capability of recognizing indications for further studies beyond established and standardized procedures. Obtain familiarity with the computer system and scanner used to generate laboratory reports, use the computer independently and recognize and report malfunctions. Devise and maintain a protocol manual regarding the function of the Vascular Laboratory and make revisions and additions when necessary. Be responsible for ordering and maintaining supplies as needed for the Vascular Lab. Provide in-service sessions regarding Vascular Lab procedures to house staff, medical students, nursing students, hospital nursing personnel, and other groups as requested. Be responsible for record keeping of all procedures performed in the Vascular Lab. Be responsible for the minor troubleshooting on all equipment used in the Vascular Lab. When equipment needs repair, will contact appropriate biomedical engineering staff. Exercises skill in influencing and communication with a wide range of individuals to include patients, family members, physicians, nursing staff, vendors, and other members of the health care team. Demonstrates customer service focused communication utilizing soft skills when communicating with patients, family members and all internal &/or external customers in person, via telephone, or through virtual interactions. Provide other incidental services deemed appropriate by supervisor. Encounters procedure performed in the Radiology Charting System; maintains accurate list of studies performed and removes cancelled studies in said system. Work Schedule: Part-Time, hours can be discussed during interview. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): A recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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 #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized."]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.