Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Summary This position is located with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Grand Forks - ND. The incumbent operates and performs a variety of complex, specialized, noninvasive diagnostic ultrasound examinations using doppler ultrasound duplex sonography. Qualifications Citizenship: United States citizenship is required. Non‑citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Licensure or Certification: Not required, but strongly desirable at GS‑6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with applicable regulations. Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on the VA Qualification Standard for current VHA employees who meet the criteria. Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) GS‑9. Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, directly related to the duties of the position, and meeting the KSAs at that level. Technical KSAs: Knowledge, skills, and abilities in specialized diagnostic ultrasonography, training, supervision, continuous improvement, policy writing, JCAHO and other regulatory requirements, effective communication, employee management, and staff development. Certification: Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable. Basic BCLS and ACLS certifications are also desirable. Preferred Experience: BLS certification and ARDMS. For more information on this qualification standard, visit Physical Requirements: You will be required to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of the evaluation or examination. Duties The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. Operate within a model with three core elements to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. Align with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well‑being. Provide clinical care, including alerting the radiologist or referring physician to significant abnormalities that require immediate attention. Perform complex, specialized duplex (B‑scans, Doppler, and ABI) examinations of carotid, abdominal, and other peripheral arteries and veins. Measure vascular flow rates and maintain accurate ultrasound records. Register patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Application (VistA). Adjust equipment settings to ensure accurate results. Determine appropriate vascular ultrasound procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Manually clean, disinfect, and restock non‑critical reusable equipment and supplies. Interact with patients, explain procedures, and assist those with disabilities or impaired mobility. Provide briefings and orientations to hospital staff and providers. Develop and maintain patient preparation procedures to prevent delays. Explain study purpose, requirements, and timing of results to patients. Gather patient history and relevant medical information for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Collaborate with scheduling staff to manage study duration and accommodate emergencies and walk‑in clinic patients. Assess and provide constructive feedback to students during clinical training. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Pay: Competitive salary with regular increases; higher step rates may apply for unique qualifications. Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual leave (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays). Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of employment. Child Care Subsidy: Up to 25% of eligible childcare costs for full‑time employees with income below $144,000. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care; many programs continue into retirement. Telework: Not available; this is not a virtual position. #J-18808-Ljbffr