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.
- Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.
- 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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations".
- For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition.
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-9 Lead Vascular Technician
In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments.
(a) 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment.
- 1. 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.
- *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
- 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
- *4. Ability to manage and supervise employees.
- *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training.
(c) Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical 64 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.
Preferred Experience: Minimum of ten years of advanced professional clinical experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties to proficiently perform a wide range of noninvasive diagnostic peripheral vascular procedures. Proven leadership experience, with the ability to effectively lead and motivate a team. Facilitating a quality assurance/quality improvement program. Serving as a clinical preceptor and embracing the role and its responsibilities. Serving with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a compassionate and Veteran-centered approach. Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
Registration/Credentials:
Current registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT).
Education:
Graduate of a Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Vascular Technology Program accredited by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Reference: Appendix G27 in Part II of VA Handbook 5005. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: On a frequent basis during the tour this position requires the technician to endure extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, bending, lifting, and twisting. The technician is required to regularly carry and push moderately heavy items. The technician must be able to use hands to handle, manipulate, feel objects, tools, and controls The technician is required to view computer monitors and type for extended periods of time. The technician must be able to audibly detect the presence or absence of an audible signal and must be able to visualize details at close range, distinguish colors, and shades of gray.