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 Certifications: Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is highly desirable Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) 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, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) at that level This would be experience which demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to fully perform all vascular ultrasound tests and examinations and to function as a technical director of the vascular laboratory and provide oversight and/or guidance to other technicians In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by asterisk (*): 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 vascular ultrasonography *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 Assignments For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent 25% of the time Special Assignments Non-supervisory vascular technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 grade level and made a determination regarding their appropriateness These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of specialized vascular ultrasound experience at the appropriate grade level, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography This includes: performing a broad range of ultrasound exams conducing various vascular studies providing non-invasive vascular procedures Must understand vascular anatomy and disease Accurately interpret Doppler findings Operate ultrasound equipment proficiently Objectively document disease progression Assist with biopsies and surgical procedures 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-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Must perform the essential functions of the job considering visual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities without endangering the health or the health of their co-workers Must be able to perform duties outlined in the Series Qualification Standards Must meet CDC vaccination recommendations for public safety, and occupational exposure to infectious diseases and applicable regulations for which vaccinations will be offered to employees. ]]>5c143e31-5e48-4549-b638-05792d185386