Medical Instrument Technician - Rochester, United States - Department of Veterans Affairs

Description

Summary

Please Note:
Training/Orientation for this position must be done at the Minneapolis, MN VA Medical Center

This position is located at the Rochester Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes.

Learn more about this agency

Help

Overview

• Accepting applications
• Open & closing dates

11/02/2023 to 09/30/2024

• Salary

$59,966 - $77,955 per year

The salary listed is for full-time employment; salary is pro-rated based on number of hours worked in the intermittent appointment.

• Pay scale & grade

GS 9

• Help

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Rochester, MN 1 vacancy
• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

25% or less - You may be expected to travel 25% or less for this position.

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent -* Work schedule

Intermittent -* Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

None

• Job family (Series)

0649 Medical Instrument Technician

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Other

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBSY AMB

• Control number

Help

This job is open to

• The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to the public and employees of other Federal agencies. Current, permanent VA employees should apply to announcement
CBSY AMB.

Videos

Help

Duties

The VA Midwest Health Care Network 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.

Duties include but are not limited the following:

• Performs in a hospital or clinic setting 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
• The spectrum of examination performed includes abdomen for tumors, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions, such as pancreatitis and sizes of organs and their location, evaluations of the vasculature to evaluate abdominal aortic aneurysms, deep venous thrombosis, carotid artery blockages, renal artery stenoses
• Responsible for obtaining pertinent diagnostic examinations through knowledge of both normal and abnormal human anatomy.
• Knows and understands the principals of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan which includes preparation and supplies, scanning motions, TCG (Time Compensated Gain), zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture-oriented examination, organ-oriented examination and initial interpretation of the examination
• Interpreting the examination requires identifying normal and pathologic appearances

Pathologic appearances include:

intraluminal echoes that shadow, polyp, carcinoma, thick wall, size, obstructing lesions, common duct stone, tumor, benign strictures, texture, solid mass, cystic mass to name just a few.

• Advises radiologist or referring physician of critical/acute results of exams in a timely manner.
• Maintains records of patients treated, exams performed, scans taken etc and submits these to the supervisor for monthly data collection
• Provides performance-related information to the Ultrasound Supervisor and/or Chief Technologist relating to work and workload data of the Ultrasound Section.
• Maintains records of patients examined, examination performed scans taken and technical data used
• Performs other related duties such as but not limited to answering telephones, checking voice messages, scheduling patients, inventories, PACS database reconciliations, room utilization, equipment maintenance records, reject analysis, and productivity studies.
• Will perform other duties as assigned within the hospital and clinic.

Work Schedule:
Varies/Intermittent - will be communicated during interview process


Telework:
Not Authorized


Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000


Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized


Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required

Help

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.
• 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. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition.

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

• Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8), 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.
• 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.
• Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc.
• Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled.
• Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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:
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) and Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) preferred or American Radiologic Radiographic Technologist (ARRT). Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified

References:
VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements:

You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position.

Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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:
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:
Additional information


PLEASE NOTE:

THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT AND ALTHOUGH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT REMAINS OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2024, WE WILL BEGIN SCREENING APPLICANTS ON November 13, 2023.

WE WILL DO SUBSEQUENT SCREENINGS UP UNTIL THE ANNOUNCEMENT CLOSES OR UNTIL SELECTIONS ARE MADE AND THE JOB IS CLOSED

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 , 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.

Read more

• Benefits

Help

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.