Fee Basis - Vascular Ultrasound Technician Job in Albany, NY

Vacancy No. CAYI-12549492-24-BB Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $45.00 to $236,000.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Part-time
Open Date 10/21/2024 Close Date 11/30/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Albany, NY


Summary

This is a Fee Basis Provider position. Fee basis appointments are temporary, excepted appointments of persons in professional and technical occupations under the authority of Title 38 of the United States Code, specifically section 7405(a)(2). Fee basis appointments provide services on a facility's premises when health services are otherwise readily available, cost effective, based on services provided rather than on an hour or tour basis, and when determined to be cost effective to the agency.

Duties

The Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, Surgical Service is seeking to recruit a highly skilled individual to fill the role of a Vascular Sonographer. This individual will be responsible for providing vascular ultrasound services 1-2 days per week, which is vital to the operation and expansion of our newly reacquired Vascular Service.

The Vascular Sonographer independently performs a variety of non-invasive studies using ultrasound and related diagnostic technology as appropriate and records the results and clinical preliminary impressions as indicated. The results of these exams are used to direct the course of patient care. This position is a full performance Vascular Sonographer with knowledge of peripheral vascular anatomy, physiology, and pathology. All examinations are performed within standard protocols on adults and geriatric patients in both the clinic and hospital settings using both stationary and portable equipment. The sonographer communicates preliminary impressions of examination results to referring physicians timely and effectively.

Major responsibilities:

  • Perform diagnostic vascular examinations according to standardized laboratory protocols; deviating from normal techniques when necessary to provide the best possible results.
  • Perform diagnostic vascular examinations, recognizing the significance of all structures that are visualized, differentiating artifacts from appropriate structures, while recognizing the limitations of equipment and utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
  • Perform non-invasive arterial Doppler studies utilizing segmental pressures, volume pulse recordings and Doppler waveform patterns at various levels in the arms and legs
  • Perform venous examinations of arms and legs with Doppler and color duplex scanning using compression maneuvers and imaging, for detection of deep vein thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis and/or valvular incompetence, which may include mapping of the superficial veins for size and depth.
  • Perform carotid duplex examinations to evaluate blood flow and plaque characteristics in the carotid and vertebral arteries
  • Perform other vascular examinations using color duplex and Doppler to help the physicians assess, diagnose and treat aortic aneurysms, thoracic outlet syndrome, popliteal entrapment, Raynaud's syndrome, renal artery stenosis, bypass graft patency, dialysis fistula/graft patency and post-operative angioplasties and stentings.
  • Identify pseudoaneurysms and arterial-venous fistulas with duplex scanning

Payment for services will be based on the following possible services and are paid per service:
  • CPT 93880 Duplex scan of Extracranial Arteries; Complete Bilateral Study = $144.46
  • CPT 93923 Complete bilateral noninvasive physiologic studies of upper or lower extremity arteries, 3 or more levels = $103.08
  • CPT 93978 Duplex scan of Aorta, Inferior Vena Cava, Iliac Vasculature, or bypass grafts; complete study = $135.30
  • CPT 93975 Duplex scan or arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents and/or retroperitoneal organs = $199.04
  • CPT 93970 Duplex scan of extremity veins including responses to compression and other maneuvers; complete bilateral study = $146.36
  • CPT 93971 Duplex scan of extremity veins including responses to compression and other maneuvers; unilateral or limited study = $93.05
  • CPT 93926 Duplex scan of lower extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts; unilateral or limited study = $114.77
  • CPT 93925 Duplex scan of lower extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts; complete bilateral study = $192.41
  • CPT 93990 Duplex scan of hemodialysis access (including arterial inflow, body of access and venous outflow) = $117.30
  • CPT 93882 Duplex scan of extracranial arteries, unilateral or limited study = $95.89
  • CPT 93985 Duplex scan hemodialysis, complete bilateral study = $199.36
  • CPT 93986 Duplex scan hemodialysis complete unilateral study = $116.03
  • CPT 93930 Duplex scan of upper extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts; complete bilateral study = $152.05
  • CPT 93931 Duplex scan of upper extremity arteries or arterial bypass grafts; unilateral or limited study = $95.26
  • CPT 93976 Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of abdominal, pelvic, scrotal contents and/or retroperitoneal organs limited study = $114.84
  • CPT 93979 Duplex scan of aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac vasculature, or bypass grafts, unilateral or limited study = $89.57
  • CPT 93981 Duplex scan of arterial inflow and venous outflow of penile vessels, follow-up or limited study = $47.31
The maximum amount a provider can receive in any given calendar year for a combination of any of the above services is a total of $236,000.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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.
  • 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.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • 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:
  • Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States.
  • Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
  • Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).

Qualifications

While fee basis providers are paid on a per service basis and not on a GS grade scale, they must still meet basic qualification requirements. Below are the qualification requirements of a developmental through full performance Diagnostic Radiologic Tech with a specialty in vascular care.

Specialty:
Ultrasound Diagnostic/Vascular Sonography. Positions should be assigned to the DRT, GS-0647 series, when both ultrasound and other modalities which require the delivery of ionizing radiation are performed. Positions in which ultrasound duties are performed exclusively (no other modalities are performed), should be assigned to the medical instrument technician, GS-0649 series, since ultrasound duties solely do not require the delivery of ionizing radiation. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The practitioner 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 of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. Within this specialization, there is a diverse range of ultrasound imaging sub-specialties. These include: 1) diagnostic medical sonography - abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic, musculoskeletal (MSK), a breast; and 2) vascular sonography-arterial and venous doppler, spectral analysis, and calculating ankle brachial index (ABI).

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GS6):
Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging.

Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  1. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
  2. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
  3. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
  4. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
  5. Ability to learn basic computer functions.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GS7):
Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled.

Assignment. DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  1. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
  2. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
  3. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
  4. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
  5. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GS8):
Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
  2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
  3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
  4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
  5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
  6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

Education

Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).

Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

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.

This announcement may be used to review candidates for other vacancies - should they be found qualified.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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

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

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/31/2024 to receive consideration.

To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12549492.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Bobby Bailey
Address
Samuel S Stratton VA Medical Center - Albany
113 Holland Ave
Albany, NY 12208
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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