ASHHRA Career Center

Sonographer operates equipment that uses high-frequency soundwaves to obtain images of the body's internal organs. Recruitment Incentive is authorized for highly qualified candidates. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 7/14/2023. Additional applications will be referred as needed. Applicants will expire after 90 days and will have to update their applications as needed. 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. 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. 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. Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-10 Experience: At least one year experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-9), which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and fully meet the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA;s) at that level. GS-09 KSA's include: 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. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-9 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. Advanced knowledge of complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques. *2. Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program. *3. Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations. *4. 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. *5. 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. 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. Preferred Experience: One year adult Ultrasound experience Hands-on experience with ultrasound diagnostic equipment Experience with on-call schedule References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27 dated March 17, 2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds. ["The Sonographer independently performs routine to complex general ultrasound, vascular ultrasound, non-invasive upper/lower extremity procedures, echocardiography, trans-esophageal echocardiography, and contrast enhanced echocardiography. Additionally, performs EKG, stress testing, and Holter monitoring procedures. Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity, and initiative in the application of non-ionizing high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or reject ability of each scan. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearranges patients scheduled to accommodate them. Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients is thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained in an effort to get diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders. Advises over-reading physicians and referring providers of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing specific examination. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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