Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until filled or September 30, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications is 15 days from announcement open date. Eligible applications received after that date will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. The Medical Instrument Technician (Supervisory Echocardiography Technician) assumes full administrative and professional responsibility for the Cardiology MIT Team. Incumbent must possess good supervisory skills to supervise Medical Instrument Technicians at several locations. Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Performs and supervises diagnostic quality images and doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, 2-D, 3-D, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display and color flow Doppler imaging, strain imaging, and directing the work of subordinate technicians. Performs and monitors complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the 4 chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, pericardial effusions, thrombi, and pressure gradients across obstructed valves. Performs and monitors Transesophageal Echoes, Dobutamine and Exercise Stress Echoes and 3D Echoes Adapts transducer positioning, instrument controls and examination techniques to the individual patient and to the problem to be evaluated Identifies and records anomalies indicative of disease, injury. Provides initial technical interpretations regarding adequacy of study, recognizes and informs referring physician and cardiologist of immediate potentially life-threatening conditions or critical values per policy Monitors patient's condition during procedures. Accurately documents information in CPRS, ISCV/Xcelera, Muse and any other clinical or administrative applications. Technical expert in the operation, calibration, and maintenance of the specialized equipment in the ECHO lab. Performs digital image management and acts as Super User for imaging storage system. Ensures that all studies transfer to ISCV/Xcelera and PACS appropriately. Is responsible for the administrative aspects of the ISCV/Xcelera system such as merging of studies, adding new providers, burning studies to CD/DVD, editing studies that have been changed by the Cardiologist. Work Schedule: Full-Time; Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000/Medical Instrument Technician-GS-0649-10 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V21CCOEEDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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: 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. 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: Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-10: Individuals at this level plan and direct programs at affiliated medical centers and satellite outpatient clinics and have full supervisory responsibility for a large staff of non-supervisory personnel and at least one subordinate team leader or supervisor. Typically these duties include assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff resolving problems which may interfere with patient examination or treatment; providing echocardiography technician services in more complex and non-standard cases; evaluating new products and equipment and making recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations; participating as an instructor in the facility's clinical training program; making final decisions on selections based on recommendations from subordinate supervisors or leads; evaluating performance; taking disciplinary action when necessary; and identifying educational or training needs Experience: At least 1 year of 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 specialized experience as a first level supervisor which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required to provide medical instrument technician services in the functional specialties supervised as well as supervisory knowledge, skills, and abilities. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Advanced knowledge of complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques. *Ability to plan and assist in the establishment of a completely integrated treatment and examination program. *Ability to evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations. *Ability to manage the fiscal matters of the functions supervised (which would include fund controls, contracts, and equipment expenditures), forecast resource and equipment needs, and administer the allocated budget. *Knowledge of and ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties which would include responsibility for assignment of work to be performed; performance evaluation; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions. Preferred Experience: 3 years of supervisory experience; at least 3 years of Cardiac Sonographer (Echocardiography) experience; at least 2 years of experience in Veterans Affairs. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15, PART II, APPENDIX G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard dated March 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019; This position involves considerable amount of standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and turning. Requires carrying or lifting of objects weighing up to 50 lbs., but occasionally may require work that involves pushing or lifting more than 50 pounds and going up and down flights of stairs. The position requires visual and auditory acuity at a level to provide safe and effective nursing care. The position requires the nurse to work for periods of time with arms above shoulder level or with neck in a fully flexed or extended position and the ability to physically control or defend against emotionally ill clients. Requires use of hands for actions such as typing, simple grasping, fine manipulation, and repetitive actions. Requires the ability to frequently respond to multiple demands and priorities. Has potential for exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous waste and chemicals. Ability to distinguish shades of colors Ability to effectively utilize a stethoscope and distinguish breath and heart, and bowel sounds; Emotional and mental stability - ability to effectively perform the essential functions of the position and respond appropriately in emergency situations. 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: 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/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.