This position is located in the VA Spark M. Matsunaga Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii in the Radiology Service. The Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiographer) has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of the Echocardiography areas. The incumbent performs a comprehensive and high quality transthoracic and stress echo.
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. Certification: Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. 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: Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-10: (a) 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 of 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 Echocardiography, knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements, and the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk Advanced knowledge of complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques. * Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program. *Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations. *Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget. *Knowledge of and ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluation; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions. Preferred Experience: 1 to 3 years of experience is preferred; certification in vascular imaging is preferred, but not required. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiographer) at this grade level are considered to be above the full performance level. The duties related to this position include but are not limited to the following: The incumbent will have the ability to perform diagnostic cardiac ultrasound: the employee will use M-mode and two-dimensional ultrasound to image the pericardium, cardiac walls, chambers, septum, and valves. The incumbent will have knowledge of the physics of ultrasound and of the technology behind the echocardiographic instrumentation. The incumbent will have knowledge of cardiac anatomy and pathophysiology, and knowledge of the limitations imposed by the physics and the equipment. The incumbent will have knowledge of cardiac cross-sectional anatomy to be able to identify intracardiac structures in order to select the correct transducer and gain settings to minimize artifact on acquisition, in addition to recognizing subtle equipment malfunctions. The incumbent will use Doppler ultrasound to identify and characterize intracardiac blood flow patterns in performing diagnostic cardiac ultrasound and stress echoes. May perform contrast diagnostic ultrasound, bubble studies, and pharmacological stress echocardiography in the future. The incumbent will be proficient in operating a diagnostic ultrasound machine to perform a complete echocardiogram study by obtaining and recording two and three-dimensional ultrasound pictures, m-mode, pulsed, continuous wave and color Doppler, and Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). The incumbent will follow the standard format developed by the American Society of Echocardiography. The incumbent will be responsible for specific measurements and calculations that will be included in the echocardiogram test report (e.g. stenotic valve area, pressure gradient). The incumbent will be under minimal to no supervision. The incumbent must have knowledge of the more complex examination, treatment procedures, and techniques which include transthoracic echo with bubble study, and contrast transthoracic echo studies. The incumbent will be responsible for setting up, performing, and analyzing data for stress echoes. The incumbent will keep abreast of technical developments and evolving applications in the field of echocardiography. May perform pharmacological stress, contrast echoes, and assist with transesophageal echo studies in the future. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 07912-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized