This Medical Instrument Technician (MIT), Diagnostic and Breast Ultrasound position is assigned to the FxHCC, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Service at the FxHCC. The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT), Diagnostic and Breast Ultrasound, must be ARDMS certified. Additional ARDMS specialty certification in Breast Sonography (BR) is preferred but not required.
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. 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". 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: GS9: 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 (*) 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Breast imaging experience preferred. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
DUTIES: Performs all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performs ultrasound examinations of the breast, axillary, abdomen, neck, chest, extremities, trans vesical/transvaginal pelvis imaging, and retroperitoneal space for purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Performs vascular imaging, both arterial and venous. Performs Breast sonography which includes, but is not limited to diagnostic, axillary, and screening. Experienced in the preparation and set up of procedures. Assists with pre and post procedure patient care for ultrasound guided procedures, such as breast and axillary biopsies and ultrasound guided localization procedures. The technician interprets the requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinician. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations and works independently. Follows departmental Policy and Procedure Manual. The technician understands and carries out the requests made by providers or seeks assistance of the Supervisor when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is required. Knowledge of anatomy, cross sectional anatomy, and physiology such as the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems applicable to sonographic illustration to interpret the requested examination accurately. 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 the full range of ultrasound examinations; oversees the student as he/she performs examinations, providing immediate assistance or guidance. Assures completed examinations meet established standards, refers to supervisor or staff radiologists, questions or matters not covered by standards and problems in meeting performance standards. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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 #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional