Summary

The Primary Purpose of the Vascular Technicians is to operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as vascular blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation, and abdominal circulation.

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Overview

* Accepting applications
* Open & closing dates

09/09/2022 to 09/08/2023

* Salary

$34,916 - $69,664 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 00

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

* Dallas, TX


* Remote job

No

* Telework eligible

No

* Travel Required

Not required

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

* Appointment type

Permanent -

* Work schedule

Full-time -

* Service

Excepted

* Promotion potential

8

* Job family (Series)

0649 Medical Instrument Technician

* Supervisory status

No

* Security clearance

Other

* Drug test

Yes

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

* Announcement number

CAZM-11643340-22-RMR

* Control number

676405100

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This job is open to

* Federal employees - Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

* Federal employees - Excepted service

Current excepted service federal employees.

* Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current, permanent employees of Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), current, permanent employees of VISN 17, current, permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and current permanent Federal Employees. All others apply to CAZM-11643336-22-RMR.THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT.

Help This job is also open in another announcement to:

* The public

Help This job is also open in another announcement to:

* The public

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Duties

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 8, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be September 30, 2022, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 09/08/2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply.

Duties include but not limited to the following:

* Performs the full range of vascular ultrasound procedures including the most complex and non-routine, in the peripheral vascular diagnostic lab or on the inpatient wards.
* Makes appropriate adjustments in established procedures and techniques to obtain the results required for clinical diagnosis and documentation.
* Performs intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations.
* Uses ultrasound machines to record vascular information, such as blood flow and pressure; cerebral, abdominal and peripheral circulation; and oxygen saturation.
* Occasionally vascular technicians will also perform intraoperative studies.
* Participates in all aspects of the mission of the medical center, including clinical service, education and research, as needed. Assists the management team with the collection of statistical data needed to monitor and improve the clinical service. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects and to write policies, procedures and protocols that pertain to vascular ultrasonography.
* Operates and maintain the treadmill, photoplethysmography, electronic Doppler, duplex scanner and other monitoring devices that are available for these procedures.
* Independently set up inpatient appointments, perform the studies, and record the results.
* Obtains a brief history and physical pertinent to a peripheral vascular disease with familiarity with the associated signs and symptoms.
* Shows capability of recognizing indications for further studies beyond established and standardized procedures.
* Gives preliminary interpretations of the above-mentioned studies subject to final approval of supervising physician.
* Obtains familiarity with the computer system and scanner used to generate laboratory reports, use the computer independently, and recognize and report malfunctions.
* Designs new test forms as new procedures are instituted. Be familiar with the protocol established by the Medical Records Committee for the approval of such forms for the patient 's permanent medical record.
* Devises and maintains a protocol and procedure manual regarding the function of the Vascular Laboratory and make revisions and additions when necessary.
* Prepares patient education materials pertinent to vascular disease and related surgical procedures. Perform necessary patient teaching.
* Be responsible for ordering and maintaining supplies as needed for the Vascular Lab.
* Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training in these procedures. Provide in-service sessions regarding Vascular Lab procedures to house staff, medical students, nursing students, hospital nursing personnel, and other groups as requested. Trains others in the performance of the above techniques and procedures.
* Responsible for independently scheduling and rescheduling of patients. Establish and maintain a permanent filing system for the patient's test results and subsequent follow-up visits.
* Receives sales representatives as necessary for the consideration of purchase of new equipment. Evaluates new products and equipment and makes recommendations regarding such that would improve operations.
* Be responsible for record keeping of all procedures performed in the Vascular Lab.
* Be responsible for the minor troubleshooting on all equipment used in the lab. When equipment needs repair, will contact appropriate biomedical Engineering staff.
* Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
* Operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as vascular blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation, and abdominal circulation.
* Independently performs the full range of vascular ultrasound and non-invasive vascular laboratory exams, including (but not limited to) peripheral arterial testing, abdominal vascular ultrasound, cerebrovascular ultrasound, and venous studies of various types.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm or 7:30 am - 4:00 pm or 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

* You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
* All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
* Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
* Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
* You may be required to serve a probationary period.
* Subject to background/security investigation.
* Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
* Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
* Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
* Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.
* 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.

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:

Basic Developmental Levels

GS 4 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 position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.

2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used.

3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress.

4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted.5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

OR,

Education. Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the medical instrument technician occupation.

GS-5 Experience. I have at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS 04) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.

2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.

3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.

4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.

5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.

OR

Education. Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to medical instrument technician functions.

GS 6: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS 05) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform routine, standardized vascular ultrasound procedures where the technician is not expected to deviate from established procedures. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Ability to perform standardized, routine vascular ultrasound procedures and/or examinations of upper and lower extremity, abdominal, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular vessels.

2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location and function of major body organs and structures as they relate to vascular ultrasonography.

3. Ability to prepare preliminary reports from the examination including documentation of procedural difficulties in the medical record.

GS 7: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS 06) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates that the technician has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform complex procedures requiring the ability to select appropriate equipment based on symptomology and the objective of the examination and the ability to adapt procedures and techniques to enhance diagnostic results. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Ability to perform noninvasive vascular ultrasound procedures or examinations of upper and lower extremity, abdominal, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular vessels which require adaptation of procedures or instruments.

2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location and function of major body organs and structures as they relate to vascular ultrasonography. This would also include knowledge of physiological influences on the hemodynamics of blood flow.

3. Knowledge of pharmacology and chemistry to understand drug reactions, action, effects, and method of administration specifically related to vascular ultrasonography.

4. Knowledge of disease entities that impact the vascular system and their influence on the test results to select the appropriate procedures.

5. Ability to obtain a patient history and perform and appropriate physical assessment based on patient presentation and type of exam to include observation, inspection, auscultation, and palpation.

GS 8: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS 07) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform noninvasive vascular ultrasound procedures as a senior technician. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of cross-sectional and longitudinal vascular anatomy in normal and abnormal vessels, anatomical planes and tissue structures, physiologic effects of disease entities that impact the vascular system, signs and symptoms of acute and chronic vascular disease, and the characteristic appearance of aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, thromboses, stenoses, occlusions, AV fistulae, and morphology of atherosclerotic plaque formulation.

2. Ability to provide Doppler information of peripheral vessels; demonstrate characteristic differences related to the organs they supply; accurately quantify carotid artery stenoses; and identify and correlate specific waveform analysis, plethysmographic tracings, velocity changes, and pressure gradients characteristic of normal, obstructed, or occluded vessels or grafts.

3. Ability to perform intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations.

4. Ability to operate the instruments to extract the highest quality image utilizing the appropriate transducer frequency, Doppler angle, focal zones, gain, depth, color map, wall filter, and sample volume.

5. Ability to provide objective data to document progression or regression of disease.

Preferred Experience:

2 years of recent Medical Instrument Technician experience

1 year of previous Vascular Laboratory experience, preferably in an IAC accredited laboratory.

RVT certification is preferred

CONTINUATION OF QUALIFICATIONS INFORMATION IS FOUND IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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: [ Link removed ] - Click here to apply to Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular) 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: [ Link removed ] - Click here to apply to Medical Instrument Technician (Vascular) />
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Additional information

CONTINUATION OF QUALIFICATIONS INFORMATION

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-27

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 04 to GS 08.

Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 35
•pounds for 8-12 hours, intermittently, moderate carrying (15-35 pounds) for 8 to. 12 hours, intermittently, lifting over 35 pounds with assistive devices in accordance with the Safe Patient Handling Policy except in emergent situations requiring prompt patient care, pulling for 8 to 12 hours intermittently, pushing for 8-12 hours, intermittently, reaching above the shoulders for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both hands required, walking 8-12 hours, intermittently, standing 8-12 hours intermittently, kneeling 8 to 12 hours, intermittently, repeated bending for 8-12 hours, intermittently, climbing and use of both legs and arms for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both legs required, near vision at 13 to 16" Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing aid permitted, twisting, simple grasp and fine manipulation.

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

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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* Benefits

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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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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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 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.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

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

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.