Vascular technicians or vascular sonographers operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as vascular blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation & abdominal circulation. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International as a Registered Vascular Specialist or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers as a Registered Vascular Technologist. 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 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: GS-9: 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 experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to fully perform all vascular ultrasound tests and examinations and to function as a technical director of the vascular laboratory and provide oversight and/or guidance to other technicians. 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 vascular ultrasonography. *Knowledge of JCAHO 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 Certification. 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 also desirable. 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. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory vascular 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. Preferred Experience: Two or more years creditable experience as a sonographer Two or more years creditable experience in OB/GYN, Vascular US, etc. Experience using GE, Phillips, or Hitachi US equipment Basic Lifesaving Course, ARDMS certified with RVT certification desired Two years of experience as vascular technologist with general diagnostic ultrasound experience Preferred experience is based on post graduation from an accredited sonography program 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: moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), straight pulling (2 hours), pushing (4 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (4 hours), standing (4 hours), kneeling (2 hours), repeated bending (2 hours), both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes required, hearing (aid may be permitted) hearing without aid and mental and emotional stability. ["Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant. Vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 08/30/2024. Additional applications will be referred as needed. Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Duties include, but are not limited to: Advising radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require immediate attention & visualization while the patient is undergoing examination Operating diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation & abdominal circulation Performing general ultrasound studies 25 percent of the time Performing independently ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest & extremities, retroperitoneal space, pelvis, limited OB/GYN, while acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders Providing training of radiology technicians & medical residents so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound & how it relates to other diagnostic exams Performing routine clerical procedures to include calling patients the day prior to remind them of their appointments & describe any exam prep required Making multiple simultaneous settings/adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results Based on radiologic findings, determining necessary ultrasound procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings Reviewing new developments in the field & recommending to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section Maintaining adequate supplies so examinations are not delayed due to the lack of equipment/supplies Assisting radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures, aspiration biopsies & catheter placements for diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques. Requires use of surgical sterile techniques, syringes, needles, contrast, etc Working with supervisor & radiologist developing protocols, preparing instructions/SOPs that maintains patient prep procedures so that patients & nurses understand proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize delays of examinations. Preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation Assisting Radiology Administrator in budgetary preparation as related to ultrasound section for supplies, equipment & items that would be required if a new program within ultrasound such as policies/SOPs Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Fulltime Monday thru Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual: Relocation Incentive. Relocation incentives may be authorized to full-time Federal employees who must change worksites & physically relocate to a different geographic area when the approving official determines that without the incentive, it would be difficult to fill the position with a high-quality candidate. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual: Recruitment Incentive. Recruitment incentives may be authorized to full-time, part time or intermittent individuals in their first appointment as a Federal employee or to a newly appointed former Federal employee with at least a 90-day break in service. Pay: Competitive salary & regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, 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) & 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 #: 00000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Bargaining Unit position"]

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