Summary

This Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) position serves under the direction of Cardiology in Medicine Service at the Central Arkanas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock - AR.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• 1
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• 2
• English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA policy
• 3
• Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation
• 4
• 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
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements - VA HR staff must use the following criteria to determine theappropriate grade assignment of candidates Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) - GS-9 Experience
• At least 1 year 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 would be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography services
• 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
• 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 Echocardiography
• *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
• Certification
• 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
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable
• Preferred Experience: Experience in working with Echocardiographic exams in multiple settings Creating preliminary reports and works with the Cardiologist - Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)
• Experience working in a lab performing echocardiography and vascular imaging
• One year of experience in a lab performing echocardiography and vascular imaging
• 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 09
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
• However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties of the Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) include - but are not limited to: Performs cardiac echocardiograms (M-mode - 2-D - 3-D - strain - color flow imaging - TIV - Pedoff) - transesophageal echocardiograms - stress echocardiograms of various modalities and other duties as assigned Identifies emergent echocardiographic findings on patient care and the active involvement in improving outcomes
• Performs - records and archives echocardiograms using digital technology
• Assists in immediate patient management in cases of emergent echocardiographic findings
• Teaches basic techniques to cardiology residents and fellows - and students assigned to the Echo Lab
• Provides call echo coverage during off duty hours including weekends and holidays
• Oversees as needed echo call schedules
• Performs preventative maintenance of equipment and coordinates service with biomedical engineering
• Assists in writing Policies - Procedures and Protocol development
• Assists in performance of contrast echocardiograms and performs contrast enhancing agents i.e
• Agitated Saline - Definity - Optison
• Ability to assist cardiologists in performing transesophageal echocardiograms
• Assists with EKGs and Stress Echoes as needed
• Assists in maintaining and ordering adequate supplies
• Assists in cardiology with consults and tracking to include inpatient and outpatient consults
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30-4:00pm - with rotating call off tours (Subject to change based on the needs of the service) Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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 #: 598-01330F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized