Lead Medical Instrument Tech (Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician)

Veterans Health Administration • Augusta, GA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the Radiology/Imaging Service at the VA Augusta Health Care System in Augusta, Georgia, within the Veterans Health Administration Southeast Network (VISN 7). The Medical Instrument Technician operates diagnostic ultrasound equipment to produce cross-sectional and two- and three-dimensional images of internal organs and body structures to help diagnose disease and other medical conditions. The role performs a full range of ultrasound procedures, including complex examinations, and provides technical guidance, training, and coordination for ultrasound staff and services.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although the schedule may vary based on agency needs. Telework and virtual work are not available. The position requires on-call work and may require work on weekends and holidays. The full performance level is GS-9. The position is permanent; recruitment or relocation incentives and permanent change of station assistance are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade, directly related to the position, demonstrating the knowledge needed to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services and meeting the KSAs at that level.
• Knowledge of complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques, including the ability to train and supervise staff, evaluate and initiate performance-improvement projects, and write policies, procedures, and protocols for diagnostic ultrasonography.
• Knowledge of Joint Commission (JCAHO) and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Must meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including a background/security investigation, pre-employment physical evaluation, and required onboarding steps.
• Must participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must complete a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Physical ability to stand and walk for potentially extended periods, lift items weighing up to 20 pounds, and travel easily to distinct treatment areas.

Nice To Haves

• Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Ability to manage and supervise employees, as applicable to the assignment.
• Ability to provide, or arrange for, staff development and training.

Responsibilities

• Perform the full range of ultrasound procedures, including specialized and complex examinations that may lack standard instructions or procedures.
• Perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in intensive care units, the emergency room, surgery, and other areas of the Medical Center as required.
• Perform examinations including abdomen, kidneys, aorta, pelvis, upper and lower extremities, scrotum, abdominal Doppler, thyroid, and vascular studies such as DVT examinations.
• Perform complex examinations, treatment procedures, and techniques, and provide training and supervision in those procedures to new and established technicians.
• Assist in developing and updating diagnostic ultrasound protocols and processes.
• Participate in the orientation and evaluation of new and established technicians.
• Develop and maintain the call schedule for supervisory approval.
• Organize staff work assignments, including lunch and break rotations.
• Report absences and tardiness to the Supervisory Medical Instrument Technician and/or Technical Director.
• Review and verify the pending list to ensure appropriate triage of orders, and notify the supervisor and/or scheduler of noncompliance.
• Work with Medical Support Assistant (MSA) schedulers to optimize the ultrasound schedule.
• Record and process images for interpretation by a staff radiologist or resident.
• Alert the radiologist to emergent or abnormal findings and forward an initial interpretation of findings for final interpretation.
• Receive and identify patients, explain examination methods and purposes, and assist with patient movement.
• Coordinate or assist with patient transportation to and from the Ultrasound department.
• Prioritize critical and emergency procedures by rearranging examination priorities as needed.
• Maintain inventory of necessary supplies and initiate procedures to replenish stock.
• Submit work orders for equipment upkeep and repairs and other work requests.
• Assist radiologists with ultrasound-guided biopsy procedures, including fluid aspiration and tissue sampling, as needed.
• Maintain examination records and files, including patient electronic records and exam requisitions; register and/or edit exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS); and send and retrieve images in the Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS).
• Perform other related duties as necessary.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed