Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

Description:

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 and abdominal circulation. Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.

Requirements:

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.
• 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-10
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. 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.

• Advanced knowledge of the most complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques.
• *Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program.
• *Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations.
• *Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget.
• *Knowledge of and ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluation; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions.

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 desirable.

Preferred Experience:

• One to three years minimum credible experience post-graduate from an accredited school as a sonographer in vascular and general diagnostic ultrasound
• Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) program
• Experience utilizing ultrasonography equipment, performing quality assurance and ensuring quality imaging
• Competent to perform vascular and general diagnostic ultrasound when staffing shortage exists in general diagnostic ultrasound
• Work independently under the scope of the supervisory physician's licensure
• Demonstrate solid understanding of complex methodologies for anatomy when performing vascular and general diagnostic exams and perform accurate charting of findings prior to sending images and charting of the radiologist for interpretation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, attention to detail and accurate interpretation of images prior to sending images and charging to the radiologist for interpretation
• Basic Lifesaver Course (BLSC), ARDMS Certified (SPI, AB, OB/GYN, RVT) or ARRT (S, VS)

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-10.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking (4-8 hours), standing (4-8 hours), kneeling, repeated bending and use of both arms and legs. Vision for both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors and ability to read ordinary type without strain. Has adequate hearing (aids permitted) and emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations.