Summary

The incumbent performs both General Diagnostic Radiological exams and Sonography (S) imaging technologist functions. The technologist in this position performs the technical aspect of general diagnostic radiology 50% of the time and Sonography (S) 50% of the time. The individual in this position will use specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and complex computer skills to complete their work tasks.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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
• Certification: Must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program - evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree - accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE)
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• 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 - Must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08) - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Specialized experience is defined as having specific knowledge of: ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines - knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed - knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results - ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed - skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers - and knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• In addition to the experience above - must be able to demonstrate all of the following Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• Preferred Experience: ARDMS certification in Sonography
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://department.va.gov/employees/va-qualifications-standards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 09.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional ***THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT
• CANDIDATES WILL BE REFERRED TO THE HIRING OFFICIAL EVERY 2 WEEKS UNTIL THE POSITION IS FILLED.*** Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination
• Performs ultrasound examinations in various ultrasound modalities to include but not limited to the: abdomen - neck - chest - extremities - retroperitoneal space - and pelvis - for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders
• Performs some Vascular Studies for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders
• Performs Ankle Brachial Index measurements ( or ABIs)
• Participates in the training of residents - medical students - and ultrasound technology students so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams
• Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved
• This requires maintaining a diagnostic log - patient schedule log - and procedure log - editing and when necessary registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RlS) Possesses a working know ledge of sterile technique in the performance of using ultrasound to guide invasive and diagnostic tissue sampling and fluid drainages
• Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results
• On the basis of radiologic findings - determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings
• Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section
• Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations
• These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation
• All other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm - Monday to Friday 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 #: 07770F