This position is located in the non-invasive vascular laboratory within Surgical Service. Responsibilities include independently performing ultrasounds and technical procedures which require extensive knowledge of peripheral vascular and cerebrovascular anatomy, physiology and pathology. Additionally, the incumbent must display independent judgment, ingenuity, and initiative. 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. 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 Ultrasound, Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, VA handbook 5005. Grade Determinations:GS-8 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform noninvasive vascular ultrasound procedures as a senior technician. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Knowledge of cross-sectional and longitudinal vascular anatomy in normal and abnormal vessels, anatomical planes and tissue structures, physiologic effects of disease entities that impact the vascular system, signs and symptoms of acute and chronic vascular disease, and the characteristic appearance of aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, thromboses, stenoses, occlusions, AV fistulae, and morphology of atherosclerotic plaque formulation. 2. Ability to provide Doppler information of peripheral vessels; demonstrate characteristic differences related to the organs they supply; accurately quantify carotid artery stenoses; and identify and correlate specific waveform analysis, plethysmographic tracings, velocity changes, and pressure gradients characteristic of normal, obstructed, or occluded vessels or grafts. 3. Ability to perform intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations. 4. Ability to operate the instruments to extract the highest quality image utilizing the appropriate transducer frequency, Doppler angle, focal zones, gain, depth, color map, wall filter, and sample volume. 5. Ability to provide objective data to document progression or regression of disease. Certification. No certification or registration is required; however, Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable for employees at this level References: VA HANDBOOK 5005 Part II Appendix G27 Physical Requirements: This position requires the selectee to undergo a pre-employment medical examination/physical, TB test, and other medical related requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["This job announcement will remain open until Saturday, September 30, 2023. Referral of eligible applications will be the first 75 applications received. Eligible applications received after the initial cut-off date will be referred as vacancies become available. Due to the potential of a high volume of applications, all applicants may not receive consideration. Applicants will be referred for consideration based on the cut-off schedule below: 1st Cut-off on 03/03/2023 2nd Cut-off on 03/17/2023 3rd Cut-off on 03/31/2023 4th Cut-off on 04/14/2023 Every two weeks after that until the position is filled or the closing date of the announcement whichever comes first. The Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular) independently performs difficult to complex Vascular Ultrasound examinations. The incumbent maintains a continuous workflow in an expeditious and effective manner in order to meet the daily outpatient and inpatient Vascular Ultrasound and Vascular Surgery work schedule. Vascular Ultrasound is an integral part of the Vascular Surgical Team, responsible for a broad range of integrated patient care activities in the performance of specialized diagnostic, encompassing pre-procedural, procedural and post-procedural continuum of care. The purpose of the vascular ultrasound exam is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. This requires the prioritization of schedules patients as well as the ability to accommodate the very urgent patient who may need immediate emergency surgery etc. Duties of the position include, but are not limited to: Performs Vascular Ultrasound Imaging to evaluate the body's circulatory system. Performs Vascular Ultrasound Imaging of the body's veins and arteries, for the purpose of evaluating blockages, such as clots in veins and plaque in arteries by using pulse wave Doppler, color Doppler, power Doppler and duplex Doppler. Confers with Vascular Surgeon to determine requirements for non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, scanning techniques, etc. to satisfy requirements of vascular ultrasound imaging. Advises the Vascular Surgeons, radiologists or referring physicians of the examination results. Performs Vascular Surgery therapeutic treatments, which include: Dialysis graft studies. Assures that sterile supplies, catheters. Contrast media and other materials are set up and readily available prior to the procedure(s). Scrubs and assists the vascular surgeon during the procedure on a demand basis. Prepares patients for vital sign monitoring, connects the patient to the automatic electrocardiogram unit, automatic blood pressure unit and checks the patient's creatinine level to ascertain if IV contrast media can be used. Research and/or analyze problems, issues or program requirements supporting the functions of a PACS system. Determines pertinent issues and collects relevant information from a variety of sources. Reviews information and applies standard analytical techniques. Develops recommendations and a plan of action to solve problems. Serve as a liaison for OlT, Imaging, Surgery, Biomedical engineering, vendors and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize imaging and clinical operations as well as distribution capabilities in all areas of the NCHCS. Investigates system malfunctions to determine a cause. Defines and isolate the specific problem, using available diagnostic and error recovery techniques, and initiates corrective actions. Contacts vendor representatives to determine the cause of problems that do not respond to available problem solving techniques. Monitors equipment controlling environment and executes emergency procedures in case of natural or manmade disasters and security risk situations. Provides first line technical support for imaging transmissions or display errors related to modalities, VistA interface, display monitors and printers. Adheres to the Surgery Service Policy and Procedural Manual and the directives and policies set by JCAHO, OS HA, and Hybrid-Title 38. Responsible for explaining the exams to the patient so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Responsible for the cleanliness of the subsection and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Administrative accountability for departmental supplies and equipment in their area. Anticipates the needs for supplies and provides for them well in advance. Other duties as assigned by management. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available 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"]

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