Summary
The Diagnostic Imaging service at the VA Cheyenne Health Care System is hiring a Medical Instrument Technician - Diagnostic Ultrasound position at the Cheyenne, WY location.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. 1st pull of applications will be 6/18/2024 and every two weeks after until the vacancy has been filled.
The job announcement is open to all US citizens.
Duties
List of Major Duties:
- The incumbent of this position Independently performs standard and complex ultrasound examinations for Inpatient, Outpatient and Emergent patients.
- Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and manages patients scheduled to accommodate them. Incumbent will maintain records and imaging files of patients examined.
- The incumbent acts, among other sonographers at this level, as the point of contact for lower-level employees requiring hands on assistance and additional training.
- Reviews orders and notes in CPRS to verify appropriate exam and patient's medical history.
- Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records. Schedule's appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS).
- Gathers related information such as current symptoms, prior imaging, patient history etc., so that correlation of examinations may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders.
- Properly identifies patient with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VACHYHCS policy, confirms identity on order, and properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur
- Accurately utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the Radiologist.
- Explains examinations to be performed, in a manner appropriate to the patient's ability to understand, the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients so they are thoroughly understood. May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Advises radiologists of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.
- Acquires high quality images of the abdomen, small parts, chest and extremities, and retroperitoneal space that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders, while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle. This includes lowest output power and the shortest scan time consistent with acquiring the required diagnostic information.
- Incumbent will adhere to all infection control procedures according to Joint Commission and VACHYHCS guidelines and advises Supervisor of possible noncompliance with said standards. Additionally, Incumbent shall advise administrative staff of possible infection and patient fall risks along with near accidents and the proper ways to avoid them.
Advanced Duties
- Independently assists/guides the radiologist/physician using ultrasound techniques in the performance of aspirations and image guided biopsies for the purpose of diagnostic treatment. This requires the use of surgical sterile technique in the preparation and set up of a variety of sterile supplies, ensuring the patient has been properly prepared for procedure adhering to all JC/ VACHYHCS guidelines and observing all "timeout" procedures.
- Subject matter expert in obtaining appropriate information and imaging of emergent exams after hours when limited staff is available.
- Leads the training of new sonographers and students and provide less experienced medical instrument technologists the training and guidance necessary for their development in becoming a more proficient and expert medical instrument technologist. d. It is strongly desired that the incumbent be credentialed by the ARDMS, credentialed in a minimum of (2) specialty areas ie: Abdominal, Ob/Gyn, Breast etc
- Assists radiologist and other team members to craft protocol and master new techniques for examinations newly offered at VACHYHCS.
- The incumbent is expected to have the experience and knowledge necessary to support the modality with minimal supervisory guidance. This includes but is not limited to: updating and ordering supplies from pharmacy, propose and implement changes in work processes to enhance patient flow/throughput, problem solve with relative stakeholders around the facility to improve interdepartmental communication and relations, work with management teams to maximize patient workload, keeps/updates quick reference list of material for each exam for the purpose of training.
- Participates in quality improvement programs that evaluate technical quality of images, completeness of examinations, and adherence to protocols. Compares facility quality improvement standards to external metrics, such as accreditation criteria, evidence-based literature, or accepted guidelines.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 53954-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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 / evaluation.
- 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.
- Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation.
Grade Determinations: GS-9. 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.
- 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
- 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.
- 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 diagnostic 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.
Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
Preferred Experience: Scanning female pelvis' and vascular scans (Duplex Ultrasounds)
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27
Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction.
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 (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
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 09/30/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12362951.
- 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.
|