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Summary This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 14, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 15, 2024, with subsequent cut-off dates starting April 1, 2024 and on the 1st of each month thereafter. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Responsibilities Major duties may include, but are not limited to: Uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The technician must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. Performs, all ultrasound examinations ranging from routine to highly specialized. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform exams. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, pelvic, neck, scrotum, chest, extremities, retroperitoneal space for purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Understands the principles of ultrasound and equipment to approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. This includes: preparation, supplies, scanning motions, time compensated gain (TCG), zoom, expansion, hard copy, picture oriented examination, organ-oriented examination and initial interpretation of the examination. Technologist notes of the examination require identifying normal and pathological appearances. Pathologic appearance includes but is not limited to: intraluminal echoes that shadow, polyp, carcinoma, thick wall, size, obstructing lesions, common duct stone, tumor, benign strictures, texture, solid mass, cystic mass. Technologist notes will be forwarded by the Ultrasound Technologist to the Radiologist before final interpretation is made. Demonstrates skills in performing complex ultrasound procedures including color flow, Doppler carotid and arterial Doppler exams, when applicable. Advises radiologist of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing exam. Participates in the training of physicians, students, and radiology technologists so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principals of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Instructs students while performing a full range of ultrasound examinations; oversees students as he/or she performs examinations, providing immediate assistance or guidance. Assists ultrasound supervisor and radiologists in establishing protocols for routine examinations and makes independent judgments when it is necessary to deviate from standard procedures. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 544-51706A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): May be Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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: a. Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. 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. c. 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 GS-9. 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 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 specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography 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 diagnostic ultrasonography. *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) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) 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. Preferred Certification: Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. 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). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items. Use of mobile ultrasound units in the main hospital and in the operating room requires twisting, turning to manipulate the ultrasound unit. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.