Summary
***This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024. The first cut-off date will be August 8th, 2024. Applications received after that date will be sent to management upon request until the position is filled.***
The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Imaging Service is currently recruiting for one (1) Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) - Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician, at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, in Aurora, Colorado.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
All US citizens.
*** If you ARE A CURRENT federal employee, please apply to vacancy CBSU-12464852-24-DC open to current federal employees. ***
Duties
Performs all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, pelvis, breast, neck, chest and extremities and retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Both B-mode and real time scans will be obtained to evaluate size, contour, and tissue composition.
Perform vascular imaging of the carotids and DVT studies of the upper and lower extremities. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized ultrasound equipment to recognize acceptable images and reject suboptimal scans. This includes preparation and supplies, scanning motions, Time Compensated Gain (TCG), zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture-oriented examination, organ-oriented examination, and initial interpretation of the examination. Technician notes of the examination require identifying normal and pathological appearances. Pathologic appearance includes but is not limited to intraluminal echoes that shadow, polyp, carcinoma, thick wall, size, obstructing lesions, common duct stone, tumor, benign strictures, texture, solid mass, cystic mass. Technician notes will be forwarded by the Ultrasound Technician to the Radiologist before final interpretation is made.
Appropriately prepares sterile tray, to include preparation of contrast, supplying catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment to maintain the sterile field to avoid contamination. Appropriately label all articles on the sterile tray. This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures, and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, cleanup trays, etc. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; time-out procedure; and correct site invasive procedure.
Participates in the training of physicians, residents, students and other sonographers, current and new staff, so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound, how it relates to other diagnostic exams, and the proper acquisition of ultrasound studies. Proper orientation and competency of new staff are shared responsibilities of current incumbents to ensure new staff contributes to team production as quickly as possible. Incumbent shall advise management of the new staff's orientation and competency status.
Master utilization of all available computer resources such as RIS, VISTA, CPRS, PACS, IPLAN and other software applications to perform all clerical procedures related to the processes of ultrasound. This includes but is not limited to maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved, maintaining a diagnostic log, patient schedule log, and procedure log as well as editing cases for proper reimbursement. Scheduling duties include but are not limited to researching pertinent patient history, tech approval in iPlan, add nonscheduled exams to the iPlan whiteboard, education of residents of proper exams to order, scheduling and coordinating patient appointments with other concurrently ordered exams and clinic appointments. Customer service skills and training are mandatory to handle the tasks associated with these processes.
Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of all equipment to insure accurate results. Based on radiologic findings and history, determines necessary ultrasound procedures to yield optimal diagnostic findings. A thorough knowledge and grasp of physics is necessary to acquire the most accurate results. The technician must be able to apply this knowledge to several different models of ultrasound machines and display consistent and comparable images in order ensure the best continuity for follow-up exams.
Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section.
Incumbent shall possess knowledge of proper usage and identification of reusable medical equipment (RME) and its method for cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization process as provided. Submit RME for proper disposition following facility guidelines.
Work Schedule: Varies Monday- Friday 0730-1600, rotating call, weekends and Holidays
Compressed/Flexible:No
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 554-55015-O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): 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.
- 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.
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 specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. 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.
Certification.
Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable.
Preferred Experience:
Recent full time working ultrasound experience prefer ultrasound breast experience of at least one year. Must be ARDMS registered.
References: VA Handbook 5005 Appendix G27
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items. Use of mobile ultrasound units requires twisting, turning, and reaching out to manipulate the ultrasound unit. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help appropriate devices and other employees
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts (official or unofficial) must include your name, the school's entire name, name of course(s) completed, date course(s) taken, grade received for course(s), amount of credits earn for the course(s), date degree conferred (if applicable), name of degree received (if applicable).
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.
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)
- VA Form 2850-C
- 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 09/30/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12464851.
- 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.
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