Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)

Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)

Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Department of Veterans Affairs

Richmond, Virginia

Starting at $42,591 (GS 00)

Permanent • Full-Time

Open 12/14/2018 to 09/30/2019

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Overview

Open & closing dates

 12/14/2018 to 09/30/2019

Service

Competitive

Pay scale & grade

GS 00

Salary

$42,591 to $67,728 per year

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-Time

Location

3 vacancies in the following location:

Richmond, VA

3 vacancies

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Telework eligible

No

This job is open to

The public

U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Announcement number

CBBX-10379426-19-ARN

Control number

519571600

Duties

Summary

THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT

THE FIRST CUT OFF WILL BE ON OR AROUND TWO WEEKS AFTER THE OPEN DATE

ALL SUBSEQUENT CUTOFFS WILL BE DONE EVERY TWO WEEKS UNTIL VACANCIES ARE FILLED.

If selected at the GS-7 level, the salary range is $42, 591- $55,367.

If selected at the GS-8 level, the salary range is $47,168 - $61,323.

If selected at the GS-9 level, the salary range is $52,098 - $67,728.

Responsibilities

The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT Echocardiography)is assigned to Medical Service at the McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, VA. As the Medical Instrument Technician (MIT Echocardiography), the incumbent is responsible for providing quality care in the coordination and performance in Medical Service. The individual will work in the Cardiac Non-Invasive Laboratory under the supervision of the technical supervisor along with the Director, Non-Invasive Lab, and under the general supervision if the Chief of the Cardiology and other staff Cardiologists. Echocardiography Technicians operate diagnostic equipment to graphically record the position and motion of the hear walls or the internal structure of the heart and neighboring tissue by the echo obtained from beams of ultrasonic waves directed through the chest wall. The incumbent may independently performs a wide range of routine and highly complex ultrasound exams that are used in the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of patients. The modalities commonly used are M-mode, 2D Doppler and the transesophageal echocardiography.

Duties may include, but are not limited to: performs transthoracic echocardiograms in all views with color flow and some Doppler, knowledge of the set up for transesophageal echocardiograms., monitors patient's condition during procedures,Alert physicians to findings on the echocardiogram that may require prompt intervention before an official interpretation can be rendered (i.e severe pericardial effusion with tamponade), ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examination (including non-invasive) transthoric, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography (invasive), stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography and trouble shoot diagnostic ultrasound equipment when problems occur.

Work Schedule: Various Tours of Duty to include rotating weekends and holidays

Functional Statement Title/#: Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-0649-07, GS-0649-08 , GS-0649-09

Bargaining Unit Position: Yes.

Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: Authorized

Relocation Expenses: Not authorized

Financial Discloser Report: Not required

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

00

Job family (Series)

0649 Medical Instrument Technician

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job

Designated and/or random drug testing may be required

Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

You may be required to serve a probationary period

Subject to a background/security investigation

Must be proficient in written and spoken English

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

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. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 abd GS-5 levels.

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.

In addition to the Basic Requirements listed above, candidates must also meet the following Grade Determinations:

Grade Determinations:

GS-7 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 echocardiographic examinations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Ability to scan transthoracic echocardiograms in all views with colorflow and some Doppler.

2. Ability to conduct cardiac testing to determine the severity and variety of cardiac problems, i.e., valvular dysfunction, myocardial wall kinesia, effusions, endocardial lesions, etc.

3. Knowledge of the set-up for transesophageal echocardiograms.

4. 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.

Assignment: At this level, medical instrument technicians (echocardiography) perform a range of standard, but complex, echocardiographic examinations with responsibility for calibrating all instruments prior to the procedure. They are expected to keep an accurate record of tests, daily logs, and videotapes. They maintain cidex logs.

GS-8 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 echocardiography examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Ability to produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display, and colorflow Doppler imaging.

2. Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases.

3. Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves, etc.

4. Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) transthoracic, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, (invasive) stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography.

5. Ability to adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient being studied and the problem being evaluated including recognizing pertinent abnormalities and documenting abnormal findings.

GS-09:

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 experience must demonstrate possession of the knowledge required in order to provide medical instrument technician services in the functional specialties supervised. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

1. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques.

*2 Knowledge of Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (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.

References: QUALIFICATION STANDARDS CAN BE FOUND IN VA HANDBOOK 5005, Part II, Appendix G27D, Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography).

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-07 to GS-09.

Preferred Experience: Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) is highly desirable. Basis Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable.

Physical Requirements: Physical requirements for this position include light lifting of 15-44 pounds, light carrying, under 15 pounds, pushing up to 2 hours a day, walking up to 6 hours a day, standing for 2 hours a day, use of both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, far vision correctable to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye and ability to hear. Incumbent will be exposed.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance

Public Trust - Background Investigation

Drug test required

Yes

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search. (required at time of application)

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's, documentation to support Veterans Preference or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).

Cover Letter

DD-214

Other Veterans Document

SF-15

SF-50

Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10379426.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

 Arnita Neal

Phone

(804) 675-5000 X2234

Email

[email protected]

Address

McGuire VA Medical Center

1201 Broad Rock Boulevard

Richmond, VA 23249

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:

An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.

An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.

An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.