Summary This position is located in the non-invasive vascular laboratory within Surgical Service. Incumbent will direct the clinical vascular laboratory activities. Responsibilities include independently performing a variety of technical procedures which require extensive knowledge of peripheral vascular and cerebrovascular anatomy, physiology and pathology. Responsibilities Major duties include but are not limited to: Advises referring physicians of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Tests routinely performed may include, but are not limited to, upper and lower extremity, velocity waveform analysis, segmental limb pressures, venous duplex color flow imaging, photoplethysmography, cerebrovascular studies, graft surveillance, saphenous and cephalic vein mapping and other miscellaneous Doppler ultrasound examinations. Participates in the training of physicians, students and radiology technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records. This requires maintaining a diagnostic log, patient schedule log, and procedure log, editing and when appropriate registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Schedules tests in a manner to optimize all vascular procedures and the coordination of equipment, while maintaining flexibility to allow for emergency cases. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results. On the basis of radiologic findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. The incumbent operates 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. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations, as needed. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize procedure delays. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation. Explains the procedure to the patient so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained in an effort to obtain diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of the disorders. Gathers related information such as patient clinical history x-rays, etc., to ensure appropriate indications are present for testing and correlation of examinations to other studies can be made by the radiologist or referring physician in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for their medical disorders. If no indications are noted, the technician is responsible for contacting the physician to confirm that the proper procedure has been requested. Operates multi-image camera for the purpose of ultrasound examinations so that future ultrasound examinations may be compared. Assists quality assurance technicians in performing quality assurance testing on the equipment using phantoms, test tools, test check lists, etc. for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment. Maintains records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be necessary. The incumbent must produce accurate tracings, be able to interpret results, and be able to recognize serious problems. Technician's interpretation of the data becomes the basis for a medical diagnosis. Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the ultrasound area, there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions. Performs routine diagnostic x-rays when required for the purpose of expediting patients through the x-ray department. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 03821F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. 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 also desirable. 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-09 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 experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to fully perform all vascular ultrasound tests and examinations and to function as a technical director of the vascular laboratory and provide oversight and/or guidance to other technicians. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*). 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 vascular ultrasonography. *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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Education There is no educational substitution for this grade level. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.