The practitioner must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation.
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: Must be proficient in written and spoken English Education. Must have completed a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). 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-10 GRADE DETERMINATION: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. To be equivalent to the GS-9 level, experience must have also been earned while holding an active ARRT (R) Certification. Experience equivalent to the GS-9 level would be in the following or like assignments: References: [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. [Lead] Diagnostic Radiologic [ ] [Technologist]. Functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs at the full performance level and below, providing input on performance, resolving daily workplace issues, and maintaining efficient workflow. Provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a general knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The incumbent functions as a supervisor for a group of DRTs at the full performance level and below, which may include support staff. The incumbent advises employees of the performance requirements of their positions, informs them of their progress in meeting the requirements, and prepares formal evaluations of employee performance. The incumbent conducts corrective interviews with employees, referring disciplinary problems to higher levels of management; resolves informal complaints of employees; and deals with union representatives as appropriate. Supervisory DRTs plan and direct programs at medical centers and/or satellite outpatient clinics and have full supervisory responsibility. Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff; resolving complex problems to ensure patient services are met; evaluating new products, equipment, and systems to make recommendations for improved operations; identifying educational or training needs; recommending final decisions on selections; evaluating performance and recommending disciplinary action when necessary. The incumbent has professional responsibility for planning and directing the DRTs activities and is responsible for extracting and analyzing data to provide reports in support of performance measures to senior management. Preferred Experience: Prefer at least 2 years minimum of experience as a general diagnostic sonographer (ultrasound technologist). Prefer at least one year of experience as a vascular ultrasound technologist. Will consider candidates willing to learn vascular ultrasound within one year from date of hire. Certification in ultrasound through ARRT (S), (V), or ARDMS. Two to four years completion of education in sonography (ultrasound) from a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) college or university at the associate or bachelor degree level. 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. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Conduct routine and specialized examinations ensuring high-quality images are captured for accurate diagnosis. Operate ultrasound equipment to conduct diagnostic imaging procedures, including transabdominal, transvaginal studies for 1st trimester OB. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Performs ultrasound examinations including but not limited to the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space, pelvis, OB, and Vascular studies for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Performs routine clerical procedures as necessary to include calling patients the day prior to reminding them of their appointments and describes any exam preparation required. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to ensure accurate results. Based on radiologic findings, determines the necessary ultrasound procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to the supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained to ensure treatment and diagnosis of disorders. Reviews related information found in the patient's electronic medical record to correlate lab and x-ray for the radiologist. Utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics in Ultrasonography and Radiation Safety, which include concepts of energy, electric power, and properties to understand the operation of equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging studies. Provides and sends ultrasound images and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. Demonstrate the ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Demonstrate strong communication skills while explaining procedures to patients and collaborate with healthcare teams. Demonstrate ability to evaluate images for quality and accuracy, ensuring they meet diagnostic standards. Knowledge of first aid and basic life support practices in related incumbent's field. Perform physical assessment, aseptic techniques, and universal precautions. Assures that preventative maintenance and any required QA is completed for their respective equipment in a timely manner. Performs routine housekeeping duties to ensure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. Follows Standard procedure for disinfection of the transducers as required. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Work Schedule: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday 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 #: 54754F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized