Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Vascular Ultrasound)
What you'd do
The Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular) serves in the Vascular and Ultrasound Laboratory at the VA San Francisco Healthcare System, Diagnostic Imaging Service operating advance diagnostic ultrasound equipment to measure and record vascular information, including but not limited to: vascular blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation, and abdominal circulation.
Major duties
Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Perform Diagnostic Vascular Ultrasound and General Medical Ultrasound independently, splitting workload equally between both specialties. Coordinate and perform patient examinations, ensuring high-quality imaging, workflow efficiency, and patient satisfaction Execute assignments promptly and effectively and communicate Radiology Service goals and work plans to the ultrasound team. Perform difficult and complex diagnostic ultrasound exams to support diagnosis and treatment; participate in clinical, research, and educational programs. Ensure optimum image quality and proper use of PACS for exam performance and archiving. Train and instruct student technologists, providing guidance on procedures, problem-solving methods, and work practices. Distribute and balance workloads among technologists based on workflow, priorities, and specialization. Monitor work status and review completed exams for quality, priority adherence, and compliance with instructions. Apply qualitative and quantitative methods to assess and improve ultrasound team efficiency and effectiveness. Optimize scheduling of all ultrasound suites while accommodating emergency cases. Assist with staffing needs based on workload patterns and schedules. Participate in quality improvement to ensure compliance with Radiology Service, JCAHO, OSHA, SOARS, Inspector General, and VA performance measures. Maintain CQI programs including registration accuracy, case editing, and pending log list management. Keep protocols updated and assist with ongoing education and evaluations for technologists and trainees. Perform and interpret complex vascular ultrasound procedures, including carotids, arterial/venous exams, DVT, graft/stent evaluations, vein mapping, and emergency vascular studies. Provide preliminary impressions by correlating patient history with exam findings; notify radiologists of critical results. Perform independent non-routine vascular exams and identify normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
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. Certifications: Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). Grandfathering Provision: 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, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) at that level. This would be experience which demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to fully perform all vascular ultrasound tests and examinations and to function as a technical director of the vascular laboratory and provide oversight and/or guidance to other technicians. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by asterisk (*): 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 vascular 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. Assignments For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent 25% of the time. Special Assignments Non-supervisory vascular technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 grade level and made a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance 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-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Must perform the essential functions of the job considering visual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities without endangering the health or the health of their co-workers. Must be able to perform duties outlined in the Series Qualification Standards. Must meet CDC vaccination recommendations for public safety, and occupational exposure to infectious diseases and applicable regulations for which vaccinations will be offered to employees.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.