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This position is located in the Vascular Department under the Surgery services located at Harry S. Truman VA Medical Center, Columbia MO. Vascular Ultrasound technologist uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The practitioner must be competent in the production, use, recognition and analysis of ultrasound images, anatomy, hemodynamics, and doppler color flow used for patient diagnosis and treatment. ' 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: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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. 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. 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 GS-08 level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: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 the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.*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. Certification: Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) or Registered Vascular Technician (RVT) Certified or in process of RVT certification is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Preferred Experience: Experience in performing all non-invasive studies. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Duties include, but are not limited to: The Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular) Performs vascular examinations with full knowledge of cross sectional and longitudinal anatomy for normal and abnormal vessels such as carotid arteries, peripheral arterial and venous system. Recognizes aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, thromboses, stenoses, occlusions, AV fistulae, and plaque formations. Has knowledge of physiologic effects, signs and symptoms of acute and chronic vascular disease. Knowledge, judgment and experience of Doppler physics required to recognize and properly generate true Doppler signals in the region of the critical artery systems bilaterally and in the peripheral arteries and veins as well as surgical grafts and arterial venous dialysis grafts. Performs evaluations of vertebral and renal artery, and aortic aneurysms. Has ability to assess patient information, risk factors and integrate with clinical situation to determine satisfactory completion of appropriate study without direct supervision. Performs independently in a hospital setting all ultrasound examinations ranging from routine to highly specialized. Performance of exam requires proper alignment and position of patient. Demonstrates complete knowledge of appropriate use of transducers and sequences required to obtain diagnostic study, as well as ability to utilize, differentiate, and overcome physical and technical entities relevant to various scans. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performs infection control procedures for transducers and all equipment, following established Standard Operating Procedures. Maintains appropriate technique/universal precaution protocols in dealing with infectious patients. Demonstrates knowledges of sterile technique while in an operative setting assisting with sonographic guidance for vascular access vein ablation, pseudoaneurysm therapy and post CEA intraoperatively. In the performance of the official duties, the employee will be able to schedule using the scheduling software. All regulatory mandates will be followed. Controls critical technical factors on ultrasound unit that will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction, and diffraction. Selects between non-focused, fixed focus, linear phased array, and annular phased array. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to improve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. This includes preparation, supplies, scanning motion, Time Compensated Gain, zoom, expansion, pathological appearances, intraluminal echoes just to name a few. Procedures done can also include sonographic guidance for vascular access, vein ablation, pseudo aneurysm therapy, and post CEA intraoperatively. This requires performance and knowledge of sterile technique and strict enforcement. Advises radiologist. surgeon or ordering physician on preliminary results of examination. Receives, identifies, and explains methods of procedure to patient and family. Properly identifies patients utilizing two patient identifiers such as full name, social security number and/or date of birth. Assists with movement of patient to and from wheelchairs, tables. Evaluates nature of critical and emergency procedures and arranges priorities to accommodate accordingly. Maintains records of patient exams performed. Maintains quality assurance program of all ultrasound equipment, monitors, videotape machines. Recognizes malfunction. Schedules preventative maintenance as necessary. Handles age-specific patients and has knowledge of age specific standards ion regards to limitation of older persons and their care. Possess knowledge of Joint Commission regulations and standards as they apply to ultrasound field. Orders appropriate supplies as needed. Ability to evaluate products and equipment, making recommendations for purchase and operational improvements. Provides training, development and supervision to student ultra sonographers from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives. Maintains BLS certification-America Heart Association only. Maintains licensure/ registration/ certification in the field. Has functional/operational knowledge of PACS Communicates effectively with colleagues, students hospital staff, and others. Forecast supply, equipment needs and associated expenditures Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular)/PD000000\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required\nReferences: Please provide \"References\" with application. At a minimum two current or former supervisors or from individuals who were in a position of a professional nature. Indicated if the Hiring Manager may contact."]