Career Center

Summary

Vascular technicians or vascular sonographers operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as vascular blood flow - blood pressure - limb volume changes - oxygen saturation - cerebral circulation - peripheral circulation and abdominal circulation. Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.

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
• 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-10 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
• 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
• Advanced knowledge of the most complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques
• *Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program
• *Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations
• *Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls - contracts - and equipment expenditures) - forecast resource and equipment needs - and administer the allocated budget
• *Knowledge of and ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed
• performance evaluation
• selection of staff
• and recommendation of awards - advancements - and - when appropriate - disciplinary actions
• Certification
• 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 desirable
• Preferred Experience: One to three years minimum credible experience post-graduate from an accredited school as a sonographer in vascular and general diagnostic ultrasound Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) program Experience utilizing ultrasonography equipment - performing quality assurance and ensuring quality imaging Competent to perform vascular and general diagnostic ultrasound when staffing shortage exists in general diagnostic ultrasound Work independently under the scope of the supervisory physician's licensure Demonstrate solid understanding of complex methodologies for anatomy when performing vascular and general diagnostic exams and perform accurate charting of findings prior to sending images and charting of the radiologist for interpretation
• Strong oral and written communication skills - attention to detail and accurate interpretation of images prior to sending images and charging to the radiologist for interpretation Basic Lifesaver Course (BLSC) - ARDMS Certified (SPI - AB - OB/GYN - RVT) or ARRT (S - VS) 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: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds) - straight pulling - pushing - reaching above the shoulder - use of fingers and both hands - walking (4-8 hours) - standing (4-8 hours) - kneeling - repeated bending and use of both arms and legs
• Vision for both eyes - depth perception - ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors and ability to read ordinary type without strain
• Has adequate hearing (aids permitted) and emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations.

Duties

• Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant
• Vacancy will remain open until filled
• The first cut-off date is 01/31/2025
• Additional applications will be referred as needed
• Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Duties include - but are not limited to: Operating diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as blood flow - blood pressure - limb volume changes - oxygen saturation - extra cranial circulation (carotid and vertebral arteries - jugular veins) - peripheral circulation and adominal circulation Performing general ultrasound studies 25% of the time Independently performing ultrasound examinations of the abdomen - neck - chest and extremities - retroperitoneal space - pelvis - limited OB/GYN - while acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders
• Serving as a clinical instructor for accredited local colleges for ultrasound students a tour facility
• Performing routine clerical procedures as necessary to include calling patients the day prior to remind them of their appointments and describe any exam prep required
• Making multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results
• Based on radiologic findings - determining necessary ultrasound procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings
• Reviewing new developments in the field and recommending to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section
• Maintaining adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies
• Working with supervisor and radiologist and developing protocols - preparation instructions and SOPs that maintains patient prep procedures so that patients - nurses understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize delays of examinations
• These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation
• Explaining 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 assure diagnostic examinations for treatment and diagnosis of disorders
• Obtaining written consent whenever necessary (interventional - e.g. - biopsy - aspiration - etc.)
• Reviewing related information found in the patient's electronic medical record to correlate lab and x-ray for the radiologist
• Work Schedule: Fulltime - Monday thru Friday 9:30 a.m
• to 6:00 p.m
• Relocation Incentive: Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual: Relocation incentives may be authorized to full-time Federal employees who must change worksites & physically relocate to a different geographic area when the approving official determines that without the incentive - it would be difficult to fill the position with a high-quality candidate
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual: Recruitment Incentive
• Recruitment incentives may be authorized to full-time - part time or intermittent individuals in their first appointment as a Federal employee or to a newly appointed former Federal employee with at least a 90-day break in service
• 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 #: 504-53304-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Bargaining Unit position