Summary You will be joining a busy outpatient and inpatient practice serving our nation's Veterans. Using state of the art equipment, sonographers independently perform a wide range of routine and complex ultrasound and vascular studies. With our team of experienced technologists and Radiologists, Southern Arizona VA Healthcare offers opportunities for growth and paid training to enhance healthcare careers. Responsibilities Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Interpret requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Independently interpret and carry out the requests made by physicians. Prepares room, equipment and materials needed for patient procedures. Properly verifies the patient's identity using two unique identifiers and using active rather than passive identification; follows VHA directives and policies. Make certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical. Explains procedures to patient in a manner that will gain cooperation, understanding, and allay apprehension. Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to sonographer exam table utilizing safe patient handling techniques; ergonomic methods and devices. Positions the patient for desired results; utilizing positioning cushions and privacy shields as appropriate. Performs diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to the abdomen, neck, chest, extremities, pelvis and retroperitoneal space, for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Performs Intra-Operative Ultrasound examinations to assist the Interventional Radiologists in tumor ablation procedures in a sterile surgical environment. Sets up equipment, makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of the equipment, and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam; insuring accurate results. Obtain pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic health record, requisition, and interviewing the patient and/or family. Properly selects patient's information from the HIS/RIS list on the workstation, verifies patient information prior to scanning. Annotations are made, correct orientation of the image, configures the image before transmitting to PACS. Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and/or quality improvement activities of the department. Maintain a neat and clean work area, including desks and countertops at all times. Ensuring supplies within assigned work area are properly supplied/stocked so that examinations are not delayed due to lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Assist in maintaining inventory of supplies and notify supervisor of low level of supplies in a timely manner. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc. Maintain Ultrasound equipment as directed by the manufacturer. Responsible for the quality assurance of the scan (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network. Maintain electronic records of patient exams assuring that the images acquired are transferred into the patient record and perform clerical duties as related to patient care as it pertains to release of information and image disc creation. May be required to assist with diagnostic radiographic examinations. Assists the Interventional Radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures, aspiration biopsies, and catheter placements for the purpose of diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques. This requires the use of surgical sterile techniques, syringes, needles, contrast, etc. 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. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation. Explain procedure, answer questions relating to the procedure, position patient for all necessary views and tend to their comfort for the duration of the procedure. Requires the exercise of judgement to assess and respond to patient's needs prior to, during, and after the procedure. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely manner. Maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) that document the process and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME and follow established procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME and follow established procedures for all RME. Performs or schedules routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. Participates in on-call rotation, currently 1 week, every 4 weeks Work Schedule: Mon-Fri with call 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 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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". Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-6 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 positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to receive and interpret physician requests for routine, standardized ultrasonography procedures. Knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body to adjust TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality. Knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for standardized, routine procedures. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. GS-07 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 positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized diagnostic ultrasonography examinations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for more complex, but standardized procedures. Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler. Knowledge of the digital transmission of images. Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. GS-08 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 positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. Preferred Experience: 2 years of experience preferred. Vascular and General Ultrasound. 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-08. Physical Requirements: This position uses high frequency sound waves for medical imaging purposes. The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion. It may involve walking, frequent bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and take apart equipment, lifting and positioning patients; and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects. Duties may require above average dexterity. 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: 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 Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, 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. 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.