Announcement details
- USAJOBS control number
- 890251200
- Occupational series
- 0649
Summary
The echocardiographer works in National CARDIO-VET Network locations, expanding high quality echocardiography services to rural Veterans. The sonographer provides ultrasound imaging of the heart for cardiac diagnostic testing. Close interaction with the cardiologists who interpret the echocardiograms is imperative to provide the highest quality assessment of heart structure and function.
Responsibilities
Performing high level cardiovascular testing with cardiology physicians and performs transthoracic echocardiograms, transesophageal echocardiograms and stress echocardiograms. Utilizing specialized knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology and biology, ultrasound physics, and cardiac sonography. Use and operation of the diagnostic equipment to provide adequate imaging of 2D, 3D, Doppler, M-mode imaging of the heart and associated structures. Communicating effectively and professionally with patients and employees to help perform procedures in the care of cardiac patients. Providing proper and approved cleaning of the equipment is necessary. Maintaining inventory and coordinating the ordering of supplies necessary for conducting echocardiograms. Working with biomedical engineering to maintain all cardiac ultrasound equipment. Ensuring timely transfer of diagnostic images to the reporting server for inpatient and outpatient exams. Using word processing software and data entry software (Excel) to execute several functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files, activating printers, formatting reports, letters, memoranda, and copying imaging data for in-house or out-of-house providers according to VAMC regulations. Using a computer to access information in a computerized patient record system. This position is not suitable for telework. This position requires travel to multiple duty stations within the CARDIO-VET's Cardiology Hub and Spoke Network. Work Schedule: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Compressed/Flexible: May be available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Driving License: This position will travel up to 75% and must have a valid state driving license. Functional Statement #: 91853-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:Not Authorized
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. 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. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. 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". 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:GS-9: In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. 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 positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Preferred Experience: Professional certification as a 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) strongly preferred. Experience administering ultrasound/echo enhancing agents strongly preferred. Driving License: This position will travel up to 75% and must have a valid state driving license. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Duties are performed in areas designated for the CARDIO-VET's Hub and Spoke Network. The Cardiac Echocardiography Technician must be able to travel to treatment areas with ease while pushing an Echo Machine. The Cardiac Echocardiography Technician must be able to stand for up to 8 - 10 hours while providing patient care. The Cardiac Echocardiography Technician must be able to lift 20 pounds of equipment, supplies and records. The Cardiac Echocardiography Technician must be able to manipulate the probes during the procedure, pushing against the patient's chest to obtain the appropriate images. Additionally, the Cardiac Echocardiography Technician will be required to transport Veterans on stretchers, beds, and wheelchairs. There is the potential for extended periods of sitting at computer terminals. The Cardiac Echocardiography Technician is expected to use proper preventive ergonomic techniques to perform duties. Other Significant Information: This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 hospital. Some positions require rotation of tours or indefinite work on non-administrative tours as established by the immediate supervisor.
Requirements
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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.