Summary This vacancy announcement has been amended to reflect an increase to the Special Salary Rate for occupation at the location indicated in this vacancy announcement The Diagnostic Imaging Service at the Cheyenne VA Health Care system is hiring one Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Ultrasound) in Cheyenne, WY. Responsibilities Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist- Ultrasound Performs Ultrasound examinations in the application of non-ionizing, high frequency waves to patients for diagnosis of disease and other abnormalities. Performs specialized exams of major and minor organ systems and of vascular systems utilizing the mathematical concept of color flow and doppler. Abdomen - liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, abdominal aorta, vena cava and femoral arteries using 2D and doppler techniques to evaluate these structures for size, abnormal contour, cysts, tumors and various pathological disorders. Retroperitoneum - kidneys, nodes, and urinary bladder using 2D and Doppler techniques. Pelvis - urinary bladder, testicular, prostate. Vascular- carotid, upper and lower extremities. Performs studies for thyroid and non vascular soft tissue scans Performs quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit using phantom and test checklists for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment. Maintain records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be necessary. Obtains pertinent diagnostic examinations for the physician, which may be necessary for correlation between the ultrasound scan and the clinical history. Differentiates artifacts from normal or pathological processes and recognizes electronic equipment limitation. Make multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to ensure accurate results. On basis of radiologic findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Recognizes a diagnostic scan and consults with the Staff Radiologist to determine the proper diagnosis. General Radiology Performs computerized digital radiography as a team member of the Imaging Service, such as general radiology, DEXA, barium studies of the gastrointestinal tract, intravenous pyelograms, venograms, and other procedures requiring intravenous injection of diagnostic procedures. Perform radiographic exams at the bedside providing diagnostic x-rays to the professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures. Responsible for maximizing utilization of fluoroscopic exam rooms. Assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations. Identifies scheduled procedures for the following day and plans and coordinates activities around physician availability in order to maximize room effectiveness. Familiar with processing images such as loading and unloading imaging plates, operating CR readers in order to provide adequate and proper processed radiographs. Confer and works closely with the radiologist when performing complex specific examinations. Confers with radiologist to establish requirements for all nonstandard examinations and determines technical factors and positioning. Perform necessary adjustments and modification to ensure proper processing of every image. Collect and prepare all proper documents required for radiology procedures. Prepares contrast materials under the supervision of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable, oral and rectal. In the case of injected media, a patient consent form must be obtained. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, contrast, barium, enema bags and drinking cups. Monitor vital signs and blood pressure and notify the radiologist of any significant change. Patient Care Review new technical developments in the field of radiology and recommends to the supervisor those which would improve the operation of this section. Obtain the required continuing education hours required by the ARRT and the VA. Review new development in the field and recommend to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the service. Edit and when necessary register patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. Properly identify patient images by ensuring correct patient information and correct use of left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of films to patients does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient identification and the request are identical. The patient identity is confirmed verbally by patient name, social security number and/or date of birth. Evaluate the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient's priority to accommodate them. Coordinate work with other technologist when procedures require more than one person. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Telework: Not available Functional Statement #: 53475-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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 / evaluation. 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: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. [In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.] Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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). Details on the Grandfathering Provision are in the questionnaire section. Grade Determinations: Ultrasound ([Diagnostic/Vascular] Sonography) (S), (VS). Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The practitioner must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. Within this specialization, there is a diverse range of ultrasound imaging sub-specialties. These include: 1) diagnostic medical sonography - abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic, [musculoskeletal (MSK), a breast; and 2) vascular sonography-arterial and venous doppler, spectral analysis, and calculating ankle brachial index (ABI)]. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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 at least 25% of the time. DRT's at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25. Preferred Experience: Scanning female pelvis' and vascular scans (Duplex Ultrasounds). The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 10. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. 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.