OCA-FY26-0649-Med Instrument Tech-Echocardiograph

Summary An Echocardiography Technician at this level is responsible for performing echocardiography exams which range from the routine to the complex in all echocardiography modalities, which may require problem solving, communication and writing skills, as well as knowledge of regulatory and industry compliance and accreditation issues. Learn more about this agency Duties Duties: The duties include, but are not limited too: Echocardiography Technician is under the general supervision of the Supervisory Echocardiography Technician. The employee is responsible for planning and carrying out their assignment, resolving independently most of the conflicts that arise, coordinating with VA staff and affiliates as necessary, and interpreting policy on own initiative in terms of established objectives. The Echo Technician keeps the Supervisory Echo Technician informed of progress and potentially controversial matters. Duties include providing Echo services in more complex cases. The Echo Technician performs studies independent of physician over-the shoulder supervision. Although each study follows an overall standard format approved by the Chief of Cardiology, he/she is expected to modify the study to demonstrate any unexpected abnormalities encountered during the study. In practically all cases the Echo Technician handles all problems and deviations, rarely consulting the physician. The Echo Tech communicates life-threatening abnormalities and critical results to the appropriate physician(s) in a timely manner. The Echo Technician must have knowledge of regulatory requirements for Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and lab accreditation issues (IAC). In the absence of the Supervisory Echo Tech, the GS-8 Echo Technician may be asked to assume the responsibilities of supervising the Echo lab if need be. The incumbent must assist the supervisor in writing lab procedures, protocols and policies for Quality Assurance and IAC accreditation (as needed), in addition to assisting with special projects and database operations. Work Schedule: TOD 10 hours, 4 days a week Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 0000 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. 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). 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 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 2 year trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification and registered by either ARDMS as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer or CCI as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer. Grade Determinations: GS-8 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level of GS-7 which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. Examples of this specialized experience include, but not limited too: perform a range of standard, but complex, echocardiographic examinations with responsibility for calibrating all instruments prior to the procedure, expected to keep an accurate record of tests, daily logs, and videotapes, and maintain cidex logs. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1. 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. Ability to produce diagnostic quality, 3D imaging, dynamic heart model, and strain imaging when needed. 2. Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. 3. 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. 4. Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) transthoracic, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, (invasive) stress echocardiography, and assist with transesophageal echocardiography. 5. 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Essential requirements include, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching and occasional kneeling, crawling and squatting; lifting, carrying, bending, and manipulation of equipment; patient assistance and positioning; walking and prolonged standing; the ability to read written orders, computer screens, patient records, and equipment controls; and the ability to communicate with patients, physicians, and coworkers. Near visual acuity to assess patient's physical condition when performing exams and evaluating images for diagnostic quality. Must be able to speak and hear to communicate with patients. Must have the ability to make critical decisions, interact with patients of different ages and health conditions, maintain patient confidentiality and work under stressful conditions Education ***There is no education substitution at this grade level*** 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 for 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.