Med Instrument Tech (Diag Ultrasound)

The breast ultrasound technologist is responsible for coordinating and performing breast sonography procedures at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. They assist with all ultrasound-guided procedures in the breast imaging department. The technologist collaborates with mammography technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to ensure quality control, efficient workflow, accurate diagnostic results, and patient satisfaction.

**Qualifications:**
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. English Language Proficiency: To be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA, applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. Licensure. 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". 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: Experience - GS-09 One year of experience of the assignments and knowledge, skills and abilities, equivalent to the GS-08 grade level. (GS-08 assignments and knowledge, skills and abilities listed below) Assignment GS-08. At this level the technician is required to perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. They perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. They also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call. GS-08 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, portal­systemic 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. In addition to meeting the experience requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: (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.) 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. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels Ability to manage and supervise employees Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training Preferred Experience: Trains new breast sonographers in all aspects of breast ultrasound scanning protocols. Recommends, coordinates, and evaluates new or modified procedures/protocols in accordance with radiologist oversight. Works well with other sonographers on specialized tasks and new/modified procedures and policies. Maintains competency on all scanners and procedures. Assures that ultrasound rooms are always stocked with necessary supplies. Works closely with the Supervisor of Breast Imaging to optimize ultrasound machine times. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Position requires long periods of standing and walking, some bending, lifting, and carrying of moderately heavy items. Requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Ability to reach above shoulder required. Both hands and use of fingers required. Must be able to lift, carry and move heavy equipment/patients routinely