The Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) is responsible for the technical operation of the Cardiology Unit, including all equipment and procedures undertaken. The work involves providing expertise and guidance to patients, relatives, and employees in the performance of assigned duties. Cardiology Department, Albany Stratton VAMC. 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. 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 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. (a) Experience. At least 1 year 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 experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): (b) 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. 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 Echocardiography. *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. (c) Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. (d) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. 1. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory echocardiography technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 level and make a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level. 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-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-09. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["The Non-invasive Cardiology Laboratory Technician performs and interprets a variety of highly complex non-invasive cardiac procedures as defined below. Specifically, the incumbent: - Makes echocardiographic (2-dimensinal and M-Mode, pulse wave, continuous wave and color Doppler recordings on paper and videotape for review by the Cardiologist. The technician is expected to identify and quantitate normal and abnormal cardiac anatomy and function. - Uses available digital computer software to quantitate cardiac function. - Assists the Cardiology staff in implementing and performing clinical research involving noninvasive cardiology techniques. - Assesses and monitors patients who's hemodynamic and/or respiratory status may become compromised during the course of testing. This includes measurement of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory status, and oxygen saturation. The technician is expected to be CPR trained and BCLS certified and to initiate them as needed. - Maintains patient logs, non-invasive files, appointment schedule, quarterly and annual reports. - Helps the cardiologist in performing transesophageal echocardiograms. This includes set-up of the monitoring equipment, echocardiographic machine, mouth guard, probe and needed supplies and cleaning probe and other equipment involved. - Assists in training of the Cardiology fellows and medical students (from Albany Medical college) rotating through the non-invasive laboratories. Incumbent is a clinical instructor for Hudson Valley Community College and is responsible for monthly growth evaluations, scanning competency evaluations, and gives final exams for the clinical portion of the program. Length of internship for each student is one year. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 11889 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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