Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound Technologist) Job in Cleveland, OH

Vacancy No. CBSR-12706237-25-RB Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $88,226.00 to $114,692.00 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 3/14/2025 Close Date 3/28/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Cleveland, OH


Summary

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for an Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound Technologist). The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound Technologist) will function in Radiology Service.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

United States Citizens

Duties

All ultrasound technologists will be responsible for operating various types of ultrasound equipment. You will be accountable for using specialized equipment to perform high quality diagnostic scans of, but not limited to, the soft tissue organs and vessels of: the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities, utilizing gray scale, color Doppler, spectral Doppler, contrast enhanced ultrasound, elastography, and 3D/4D volume imaging as necessary. You will also be active in assisting the Radiology team during a vast spectrum of sterile percutaneous needle procedures performed for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons and routinely applying real-time Image Fusion and Electromagnetic Needle Tracking features. You will be required to be highly competent to assist in and perform these wide-range of complex advanced ultrasound studies using the latest innovative technologies during unconventional scans.

Duties (MIT - Ultrasound)

  • Adhere to all Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and departmental Directives, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and other enforced policies.
  • Display a vast knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, physiology and ultrasound physics. Use of this knowledge to produce high quality diagnostic studies using proper patient positioning and scanning techniques under the guidelines of the American College of Radiology (ACR) practice parameters, departmental protocols, SOP's and/or other regulating bodies.
  • Must be skilled in advanced ultrasound technologies such as: Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), Real-Time Image Fusion, Electromagnetic Needle Tracking (EMT), Shear Wave and Strain Elastography, and 3D/4D Volume Imaging.
  • Must be able to assist radiologist in complex invasive medical procedures such as but not limited to: TheraSphere Radiotherapy Treatment, Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE), Microwave Ablation, and Cryoablation.
  • Reports to the operating room when ultrasound is required to support surgical team.
  • Support other team members in meeting departmental responsibilities and goals. Demonstrates a collaborative and proactive approach in communication skills both oral and written, problem solving and resolving conflicts as needed.
  • Reports for scheduled tour on time and prepared to assume all duties.
  • Troubleshoot problems related to the department and image quality and report all unresolved problems or issues to their direct supervisor immediately.
  • Maintain adequate and necessary supplies in the work area so team members can perform daily scheduled tasks without interruption-
  • Coordinate and help guide both internal and external customers regarding scheduling, patient information, networking and informatics.
  • Perform a variety of miscellaneous clerical duties in support of the Ultrasound/Radiology section. The technologist will protocol new and revised ultrasound requisitions to assist in the scheduling operation as well as add invasive procedures to the departmental calendar on SharePoint as needed.
  • Required to participate in the on-call coverage rotation and carry a hospital issued pager or cell phone for emergency contact. Technologist will abide by the on-call SOP of the department.
  • Inform patients regarding imaging protocol, procedure, equipment and study to ensure understanding and full cooperation. Monitor patient's condition and take appropriate action in emergent situations with radiologist's and nursing staff assistance and guidance.
  • Uphold proper status in the VA Talent Management System (TMS) and PolicyTech System.
  • Must be registered and in good standing with ARDMS credentialing. Also, BLS certificate required.
  • Prior to providing care, treatment or any services, technologist must always compare two patient identifiers against a source document to ensure correct patient is present.
  • Must participate in "Time-Out" when assisting with invasive procedure to ensure that all surgery and invasive procedures performed in the clinical setting are performed on the correct patient, at the correct site, and if applicable with the correct implant.
  • Prepare sterile tray with the appropriate supplies necessary for all invasive procedures while upholding AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) standards.
  • All finished ultrasound studies are required to have the appropriate ultrasound worksheet completed by performing technologist to aide in the radiologist's interpretation.
  • Required to become knowledgeable with Computerized Patient Record (CPRS), Veterans Integrated System Technology Architecture (VISTA), Philips IntelliSpace PACS enterprise, and current Teleradiology service.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 94079-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized

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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • 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.
  • 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: 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.
  • 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.
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:

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.

Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, GS-08, 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.

Experience at the GS-8 level may include:
  1. Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum.
  2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc.
  3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.
  4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

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 diagnostic 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.
References: VA Regulations, specifically, VA Handbook 5005, Part II Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9.

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 such as cassettes. Use of mobile ultrasound units in the main hospital and in the operating room requires twisting, turning 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 of other employees.

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/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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.

Areas of Consideration - Applicants will be considered in the order listed below.

  • First Area of Consideration (Facility Employees) - Current, permanent VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System employees (this includes Outpatient Clinics, permanent employees of the Veteran Canteen Service assigned to this facility, Office of Information & Technology employees assigned to this facility, and Virtual CBOPC bargaining unit employees under station 741 located at the Cleveland VAMC.
  • Second Area of Consideration (Other VA Employees) - Current, permanent Department of Veterans Affairs Employees (VA employees who are located at other VA medical centers).
  • Third Area of Consideration - All other qualified US citizens.
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:

  • Resume (when listing previous employment please include month and year).
  • If you are a current federal employee, your most recent SF-50 that shows title, series, and grade.
  • If you have previously held a higher grade and are applying based on that grade, you must provide a copy of the SF-50 showing you held the higher grade in addition to your last or most recent SF-50 indicating proof of status. Note: Your SF-50 must reflect the grade and step information equivalent to or greater than the grade lower than the position you are applying to. This may not always be your most recent SF-50. You may need to submit more than one SF-50.
  • If prior military service, include all copies of your DD-214 or proof of service as well as proof of disability, if applicable. You must submit your documentation showing character of discharge.
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.

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 03/28/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12706237.

  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

Robert Braholli
Address
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System
10701 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106
US

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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