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Summary This vacancy announcement has been amended to reflect an increase to the Special Salary Rate for occupation at the location indicated in this vacancy announcement 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. Responsibilities 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/. 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. 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.