Lead Medical Instrument Tech (Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair, VA Augusta Health Care System (VAAHCS) in Augusta, Georgia, seeks a Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) at the GS-9 level to perform diagnostic ultrasonography and generate high-quality images to assist in patient diagnoses. This role is housed in the Radiology/Imaging Service and involves potential training responsibilities.

Applicants must meet basic eligibility (US citizenship, English proficiency); licensure is desirable but not

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in diagnostic ultrasonography or closely related field; KSAs demonstrate ability to provide ultrasound services.

Responsibilities

• Provide training and supervision in ultrasound procedures.
• Write policies, procedures, and protocols related to diagnostic ultrasonography.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and quality improvement initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with staff at varying levels of the organization.
• Coordinate and participate in staff development and training activities.

Skills

Advanced ultrasound procedures

Regulatory knowledge

Professional communication

Staff management

Training & development

Job description

This position is located in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Southeast Network(VISN 7), VA Augusta Health Care System (VAAHCS) in Augusta, Georgia located in the Radiology/Imaging Service. The Radiology/Imaging Service Medical InstrumentTechnician (DUT) operates diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross-sectional and two- and three-dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions.

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.
• 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. [No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English].
• 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.

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: Positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments.

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.

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 diagnostic ultrasound 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

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.

Reference

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements

There is a combination of potentially extended periods of standing, walking, and lifting of items weighing up to 20 pounds such as portable grids, x-ray cassettes, computer paper boxes, etc. Incumbent must be able to travel to the distinct treatment areas with ease.