Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Summary

Functions as a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) General Ultrasound sonographer with Vascular imaging. This position is the designated Ultrasonographer responsible of all workflow issues as related to the ultrasound section and the Vascular imaging for all work done at the assigned CBOC.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Ensures the activities within the Ultrasound section at the clinic are thoroughly completed and takes appropriate action as required to insure their efficient and effective operation.
• Responsible for the quality assurance of the image (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network.
• Works with nursing and other clinical supervisors in addressing the Ultrasound Section issues and to support the maintenance of high-quality patient care.
• Participates in quality assurance/improvement activities and/or trainings and ensure compliance with JCAHO requirements.
• Participates in the compilation and analysis of data on CBOC Ultrasound activities and prepares reports to the supervisor/management team.
• Performs in a clinical setting all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized studies.
• Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan.
• Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction, and diffraction.
• Selects between non-focused, fixed-focus, linear phased array, and annular phased array.
• Receives/identifies patients (by 2 identifiers), explains methods of procedures, assists movement of patients to and from wheelchairs, carts and exam tables.
• Advises radiologist or referring physician of critical/acute results of exams in a timely manner.
• Responsible for 1) protecting that data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion and 2) following applicable regulations and instruction regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in a computer access agreement which the employee signs.
• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them, during a busy clinical operation, and performs add on patients throughout the day.
• Maintains records of patients treated, exams performed, scans taken, etc.
• Accepts duties/assignments outside of his/her normal workstation for purposes of receiving additional training, and to provide needed coverage as determined by his/her supervisor based on patient workload shift/changes and availability of personnel.
• Performs technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disk drives, console, imaging devices, etc.
• The incumbent assists manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in the equipment used, notifies the Supervisor of any failure, or required service.
• Uses computer programs with competence and establishes and monitors quality control programs.
• Maintains operations log, maintenance, and service reports.
• Performs preventative maintenance as required.
• Maintains files on patient, computer data, and technical parameters of each examination.
• Maintains archives of recording media.
• Coordinates daily schedule and consults with clinic physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the next day and future day's availability for patient examinations.
• Maintains inventory of medical, and computer supplies and initiates procedures to replenish stock and to receive stock supplies.
• Work Schedule: Intermittent Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the 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 for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the “Required Documents” section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

How You Will Be Evaluated

All other applicants.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully.

Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

• To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document.
• This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
• Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
• The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
• Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License *Highly Recommended* – Write to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) on a separate document – KSAs are found under qualification/grade requirements in the announcement.
• Resume/CV exceeding two-pages Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Proof of Marriage Status Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript