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Our Mission: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. 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. 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. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. GS-8 (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. Experience includes performing complex, standardized procedures independently; altering procedures, equipment settings, transducers used, etc., to accommodate patient needs and still produce a quality image for diagnostic purposes; assisting with the performance of more complicated procedures and non-standardized procedures in a developmental capacity. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum. 2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. 3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. 4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. (c) Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. (d) Assignment. This represents the full performance level for medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound). At this level the technician is required to perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. They perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. They also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["VISN 12 is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, provides equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We embrace our differences as individuals and unite as a team toward a common goal: to serve our nation's Veterans. The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) functions as a diagnostic medical sonographer, specializing in vascular ultrasound. The incumbent operates diagnostic ultrasound scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two dimensional images of internal organs and body structures. The MIT conducts basic equipment maintenance, performs quality control measures, assists with development of policies, reports abnormal findings to physicians, and completes other administrative, technical or supervisory tasks as required. Major Functions: Performs vascular ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest, · extremities, and retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality ultrasounds that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient's medical disorders. Performs other diagnostic ultrasound examinations outside of the vascular realm such as soft tissue imaging, imaging masses, collections, ect. Performs ultrasound examinations to assist physicians in the performance of fluid aspirations, pseudoaneurysm thrombin injections, and other procedures, such as determining the location, depth, and required angles of an area to be sampled. Adjusts TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality through utilization of knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body. Uses knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties as well as knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler in the daily performance of ultrasound imaging in order to ensure optimal imaging results. Interacts and communicates with the patient, using knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy and physiology, to obtain a brief history and physical pertinent to a peripheral vascular disease with familiarity of the associated signs and symptoms. Properly sets up ultrasound equipment for standard, routine and complex procedures. Makes multiple, simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient. On the basis of radiologic and clinical findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the surgeon responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that the treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely manner. 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 patient schedule log, procedure log, editing/copying CD's as needed, and storing/maintaining digital images on PAC's. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Stores studies digitally (i.e. PACS) for the purpose of keeping records of ultrasound examinations, so that future ultrasound examinations may be compared. Demonstrates proficiency in the operating room policies related to sterile technique. Responsible for being aware of, and practicing the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, and participating in quality assurance activities as directed Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Days Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Recruitment Incentive: May be authorized to highly qualified individuals Financial Disclosure Report: Not required This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan reimbursement program. If selected for this position, you must meet specific individual eligibility requirements and submit your application within four months of appointment. The final award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. Please contact Eva.Gennara@va.gov or VISN12EDRP@va.gov for more information."]

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