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Summary The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician) works under the Ultrasound section of the Imaging service at VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), a 1A Facility. Independently performs standard and complex ultrasound examinations for Inpatient, Outpatient and Emergent patients. Responsibilities Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The duties of the Medical Instrument Technician (Ultrasound) GS-9 include, but are not limited to: 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. Schedules 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 VAPORHCS 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 VAPORHCS 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. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. Interpret requests and instructions from medical providers under the guidance of the radiologist. Experience in Joint Commission readiness preparation. Incumbent is aware of and practices the RME processes for various pieces of equipment including disinfection and sterilization processes Work Schedule:Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized with qualifying situation 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 Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, Paragraph 5a. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-04 and GS-05 levels. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the United States must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional United States programs. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-06 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Grade Determinations: GS-9 Medical Instrument Technician (Ultrasound) 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. This would be specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. 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. Preferred Experience: Preferred RDMS and RVT with General Ultrasound and Vascular experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.This position is above the full performance level Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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 During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.