Summary
The MIT(Ultrasound) technologist operates ultrasound equipment to acquire diagnostic images of patients, and support ultrasound-guided procedures to enable the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Exam requests are screened for appropriateness and reviewed with a radiologist as needed. Exams are largely done by established protocol however some clinical presentations may require the technologist to tailor exams to meet the unique requirements or condition of the specific patient.
Duties
Major Duties:
- Receive patients, confirm patient identification, obtain patient history, provide patient education, provide reassurance and ensure patient comfort. Perform fall risk assessment and mobilize appropriate assistive lifting and transfer devices as needed.
- Review exam requests for appropriateness before performing exams. Use appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, patient interview, chart review or contact with the ordering clinician to clarify as needed.
- Apply principles of customer service and whole health to promote a positive patient experience. Assist schedulers in making appointments that are timely, coordinated with other appointments when possible to reduce travel burden, and aligned with the overall care plan.
- Perform diagnostic ultrasound exams in outpatient and inpatient settings. Exams include, but are not limited to: neck, abdomen and pelvis, chest, small parts, musculoskeletal, aortoiliac and venous studies.
- Support image-guided procedures. Facilitate timely review and scheduling of requested procedures. Coordinate nursing and other support needed from other services.
- Support ultrasound exams and ultrasound-guided procedures in the Women's Health Clinic including, transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound, SIS (Saline-Infusion Sonohysterography), and ultrasound guided aspiration and biopsy.
- Apply knowledge of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) including fundamental knowledge of the network, image routing, quality control and basic troubleshooting.
- Support ultrasound-guided procedures by non-radiologist providers such as for thoracentesis, paracentesis, and percutaneous biopsy and drainage.
- Serve as an onsite preceptor for the AB Tech (Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College) Medical Sonography program. Provide sonography students with didactic and hands-on instruction, ensuring a positive learning experience. Provide oversight of student performance and progress, and provide evaluations to program faculty.
- Provide instruction and support of POCUS (Point of Care Ultrasound). Assist non-radiologist users in the effective use of ultrasound including, basic principles, image optimization, scanning technique and other facets of use.
- The incumbent reports to the Supervisor MIT (US) who manages immediate operations such as workflow, work assignments, breaks and lunches, technical consultation, troubleshooting and other facets of operations management. The Supervisor MIT (US) also oversees work schedules, quality assurance and quality control, performance plans and performance appraisals.
- The incumbent is responsible to maintain a significant level of self-directed exam workflow, quality assurance and safety while exercising technical proficiency in diagnostic US exams.
- The Supervisor MIT (US) uses a variety of performance metrics to review work such as, repeat rate, sampling of cases for review, radiologist feedback, other data collection, observation, customer feedback and other sources.
- Work assignments include data collection for performance improvement, equipment QC, exam tracking and audits and other administrative duties assigned by the Supervisor MIT (US).
- The incumbent is responsible to perform work assignments with required accuracy and timeliness, and to solicit guidance and clarification as needed.
- Work is reviewed for completeness, accuracy, timeliness and other factors related to satisfactory performance.
Work Schedule: Intermittent
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
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.
- 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
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.
- 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.
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: For purposes of this qualification standard the specialty areas of this occupation have been grouped into [seven] functional areas. These are:
Cardiovascular (Electrocardiograph Technician, Cardiac Catheterization Technician) Medical (Hemodialysis Technician) Surgical (Perfusion Technician, Anesthesia Technician) Neurology (Electroencephalograph Technician, Polysomnography Technician) Pulmonary (Pulmonary Function Technician), and Imaging (Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician, Echocardiograph Technician, and Vascular Technician) [Gastroenterology (GI Technician).
Medical Instrument Technicians at GS-6 and above will have a functional assignment and reference should be made to the appropriate appendix for qualifications evaluation.
Grade level criteria, KSAs (core competencies), and typical assignment information for all GS-4 and GS-5 levels are defined generically in this part of the qualification standard. For higher level positions where the grade level/assignment is based on supervisory and/or managerial responsibilities, criteria are also included in the general portion of this qualification standard (for individuals in multiple function assignments) and/or the specific appendices.
For non-supervisory positions at GS-6 and above and for supervisory positions in a single specialty, the grade level criteria, KSAs, and types of assignments are discussed in appendices matching the title areas listed below. Reference should be made to the appropriate appendix in evaluating the qualifications of individuals for this occupation.
In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this level may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and duties.
Preferred Experience: Minimum of 1 year experience post graduation from ultrasound program.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27
Physical Requirements: Frequent standing, walking, grasping, carrying, reaching, bending, stooping and speaking. Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds. Frequent use of computer keyboard and phone. Precise control of power-assisted equipment and devices.
Education
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
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.
Review our 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
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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 (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
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 05/23/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12406731.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
|