Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

About the Role

The Medical Instrument Technologist (Ultrasound) performs general diagnostic ultrasound studies in radiology. The purpose of these exams is to evaluate and diagnose patients with suspected pathology and provide continuity of follow-up to requesting providers to carry out treatment plans.

This specialty modality uses high-frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The technologist must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Performs ultrasound examinations ranging from routine to specialized in an outpatient setting.
• Receives and identifies patients using two (2) patient identifiers, explains methods of procedures, assists movement of patients to and from wheelchair/table, positions the patient, and performs examinations as requested.
• Provides care to patients to allay anxieties, answer questions, and familiarize them with procedures and equipment.
• Interprets requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinician and follows departmental Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Handles a variety of difficult examinations and works independently.
• Knowledge of anatomy, cross-sectional anatomy, and physiology to interpret requested examinations accurately.
• Comprehends all processes for reusable medical equipment (RME), including setup, use, reprocessing, and maintenance according to local standard operating procedures.
• Cleans and maintains all equipment in accordance with Infection Control policies, manufacturer guidelines, biomedical guidelines, and Joint Commission criteria.
• Reports unsanitary conditions or equipment malfunctions to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Works independently under the direction of the Chief Technologist and confers with radiologists and/or supervisor on difficult problems.
• Follows the chain of command and resolves issues at the lowest level possible.
• Provides care/services appropriate to the age of patients being served.
• Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws.
• Handles possible patient reactions using CPR (Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification is required).

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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard (only applicable to current VHA employees).
• Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, directly related to the duties of the position, and fully meeting the KSAs at that level.

Qualifications

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is GS-09.

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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of complex examination and treatment procedures to provide training, supervision, evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and write policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Ability to manage and supervise employees.
• Ability to provide or provide for staff development and training.

Physical Requirements

• Extended periods of sitting, moderate walking, and standing.
• Constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items (usually less than 50 lbs) or moving equipment such as the ultrasound machine.
• Pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients; positioning disabled patients on the stretcher requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions.
• Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of lifts and/or other employees.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. with rotating call.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time off per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service.
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for 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 (monthly maximum of $416.66).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions by VA.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).

Pay

Competitive salary with regular increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).