Central Texas Veterans Health Care System-Temple is currently recruiting for a Medical Instrument Technician in the Echocardiography (Echo). The Technician will independently perform routine transthoracic echocardiograms. Assignment to CTVHCS -Austin will be at the discretion of the Chief of Cardiology and Echo Program Manager at CTVHCS in Temple and will be based on staff availability and patient volume in Austin. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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". Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 Hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-08. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Both hands required; Walking (4-6 hours); Standing (4-6 hours); Repeated bending (1 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted). Environmental Factors: Outside and inside; Dry atmospheric conditions; Solvents (degreasing agents); Working closely with others; Working alone. Preferred Experience: Ability to perform good quality transthoracic echocardiograms using 2D, M-mode, PW doppler, CW doppler, and color doppler imaging; Ability to perform transthoracic echocardiograms from multiple windows, including parasternal, apical, subcostal, and suprasternal windows; Ability to recognize abnormal cardiovascular findings and adapt transducer position, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient and indication; Ability to perform echocardiographic bubble studies, pharmacologic contrast studies, exercise and dobutamine stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography; Previous exposure to 3D echocardiography and strain and strain-rate imaging is desirable. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician; Appendix D - Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography). Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, you must qualify on experience and/or education, and demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: GS-8 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-07 which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic echocardiography examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Ability to produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display, and color flow Doppler imaging. Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves, etc. Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) transthoracic, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, (invasive) stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. Ability to adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient being studied and the problem being evaluated including recognizing pertinent abnormalities and documenting abnormal findings. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. Assignment. This represents the full performance level. Echocardiography technicians at this level identify and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler. They incorporate the causes and results of a variety of symptoms and conditions into a plan of ultrasonic diagnostic examination. They change and develop sounding techniques to accommodate such variables as limited patient mobility, variation in physical condition or dimension of the patient, presence of prosthesis or foreign objects, and ultrasonic response of different body parts. They produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, and Doppler ultrasound. ["A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 08/23/2022. Additional applications will be referred as needed. Major Duties as Assigned, but not limited to: GS-08 - This position represents the full performance level. Echocardiography technicians at this level identify and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler. They incorporate the causes and results of a variety of symptoms and conditions into a plan of ultrasonic diagnostic examination. They change and develop sounding techniques to accommodate such variables as limited patient mobility, variation in physical condition or dimension of the patient, presence of prosthesis or foreign objects, and ultrasonic response of different body parts. They produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, and Doppler ultrasound. They perform measurements of cardiac structures and doppler flow velocities using the software on the ultrasound machine or image analysis workstation. They calculate aortic valve area, mitral valve area, cardiac output, diastolic filling parameters, right ventricular systolic pressure, ejection fraction, and other such variables as required by interpreting physician for report generation. Assist the attending cardiologist by running the imaging console during performance of specialized procedures that require the presence of a physician, including transesophageal echocardiography, contrast echocardiography, and stress echocardiography. They review clinical imaging protocols for specialized procedures to keep abreast of current developments in the field of echocardiography. Assist with managing workflow and available resources in the echo lab. They follow established guidelines, goals, priorities, and deadlines for completing echo studies and procedures on timely basis. They perform portable studies in the ICU, ER and ward locations. Teach cognitive and technical skills in echocardiography to sonography students and trainees. They learn new techniques, methods, and skills in echocardiography as they develop. Perform routine troubleshooting, calibration, and maintenance of instruments, transducers, and image processing workstations. They coordinate necessary repair and service with Biomedical engineering and outside service organizations. Maintain inventory of echocardiographic supplies, equipment, and accessories and order items as needed. Perform clerical responsibilities, including setting up patient folders in echo workstations for storage, keeping accurate log and data of patients, and managing echo requests and reports. They also capture workload in CPRS and-schedule patients as needed. Customer Service: The echocardiography technician must meet the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. He or she should consistently communicate and treat veterans and their family members, trainees, and all VA staff in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. The individual should handle conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. The echocardiography technician must display a cooperative attitude· and effectively work together to implement the organization's mission and goals. The individual will ensure productivity is maintained al the established level for his or her responsibilities. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday - 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)/PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]

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