This position is in the Vascular Surgery Section of Surgical and Perioperative Care, their function is to independently to diagnose patients with suspected peripheral arterial and venous disease, oversee scheduling of patients for examination, and provide continuity of follow-up. The technologist evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges the schedule to accommodate them. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. 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. Vascular technicians or vascular sonographers operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as vascular blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation, and abdominal circulation. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International, (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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: GS-6 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform routine, standardized vascular ultrasound procedures where the technician is not expected to deviate from established procedures. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 1. Ability to perform standardized, routine vascular ultrasound procedures and/or examinations of upper and lower extremity, abdominal, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular vessels. 2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location and function of major body organs and structures as they relate to vascular ultrasonography. 3. Ability to prepare preliminary reports from the examination including documentation of procedural difficulties in the medical record. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. GS-7 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates that the technician has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform complex procedures requiring the ability to select appropriate equipment based on symptomology and the objective of the examination and the ability to adapt procedures and techniques to enhance diagnostic results. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 1. Ability to perform noninvasive vascular ultrasound procedures or examinations of upper and lower extremity, abdominal, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular vessels which require adaptation of procedures or instruments. 2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location and function of major body organs and structures as they relate to vascular ultrasonography. This would also include knowledge of physiological influences on the hemodynamics of blood flow. 3. Knowledge of pharmacology and chemistry to understand drug reactions, action, effects, and method of administration specifically related to vascular ultrasonography. 4. Knowledge of disease entities that impact the vascular system and their influence on the test results to select the appropriate procedures. 5. Ability to obtain a patient history and perform and appropriate physical assessment based on patient presentation and type of exam to include observation, inspection, auscultation, and palpation. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. GS-8 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform noninvasive vascular ultrasound procedures as a senior technician. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 1. Knowledge of cross-sectional and longitudinal vascular anatomy in normal and abnormal vessels, anatomical planes and tissue structures, physiologic effects of disease entities that impact the vascular system, signs and symptoms of acute and chronic vascular disease, and the characteristic appearance of aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, thromboses, stenoses, occlusions, AV fistulae, and morphology of atherosclerotic plaque formulation. 2. Ability to provide Doppler information of peripheral vessels; demonstrate characteristic differences related to the organs they supply; accurately quantify carotid artery stenoses; and identify and correlate specific waveform analysis, plethysmographic tracings, velocity changes, and pressure gradients characteristic of normal, obstructed, or occluded vessels or grafts. 3. Ability to perform intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations. 4. Ability to operate the instruments to extract the highest quality image utilizing the appropriate transducer frequency, Doppler angle, focal zones, gain, depth, color map, wall filter, and sample volume. 5. Ability to provide objective data to document progression or regression of disease. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, March 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), use of fingers, both hands, walking, standing, repeated bending, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), and mental and emotional stability. Environmental factors include constant noise, working closely with others, and working alone. ["Duties include, but are not limited to: A. In the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory: Measures peripheral blood pressures at rest and following the conduction of exercise treadmill testing or hallway walk using Doppler ultrasound and/or plethysmography. Evaluates the extracranial carotid vascular system using duplex scanning and interpretation of spectral analysis. This is used to determine if blood flow is present, normal, or if abnormal, degree of disease. Evaluates the abdominal and pelvic arterial system including mesenteric and renal arteries using duplex scanning and interpretation of spectral analysis. This is used to determine if blood flow is present, normal or if abnormal, degree of disease. Evaluates the lower extremity arterial system, including bypass grafts and stents using duplex scanning and interpretation of spectral analysis. This is used to determine if blood flow is present, normal or if abnormal, degree of disease. Evaluates the status of the abdominal and pelvic deep venous system using duplex scanning. Results are used to rule out venous clots and determine what intervention and/or follow-up is necessary. Evaluates the status of the lower extremity deep venous system using duplex scanning. Results are used to rule out venous clots and determine what intervention and/or follow-up is necessary. Evaluates the upper extremity arterial system using duplex scanning and interpretation of real time spectral analysis. This is used to determine if blood flow is present, normal, or if abnormal, degree of disease. Evaluates the status of the upper extremity deep venous system using duplex scanning. Results are used to rule out venous clots and determine what intervention and/or follow-up is necessary. Performs upper extremity arterial blood pressure exams to test for arterial occlusive disease as well as digital arterial photo plethysmography with digital blood pressures, temperature measurement, and/or cold immersion test. Evaluates the patency and caliber of upper and lower extremity superficial veins to determine their suitability for use as bypass conduits. Performs duplex ultrasound of the upper and lower extremity arteries and veins, and Allen's test for preoperative planning of hemodialysis access. Evaluates the function of existing hemodialysis access, including arteriovenous fistula, grafts, and associated stents and bypass grafts. Evaluates arterial diameters in the abdomen and peripheral circulation to determine the presence or absence of aneurysms. Uses duplex scanning to determine the patency of endovascular grafts, to rule out endoleaks, and to determine residual sac size of treated aneurysms. Uses duplex scanning to determine the presence or absence of pseudoaneurysms.. Regularly checks the performance of equipment used in the evaluation of patients. Administers the quality control program for the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory. Participates in the training of physicians, students and other technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of non-invasive vascular testing and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Trains and provides direction for other peripheral vascular technologists. Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the laboratory is clean and sanitary. This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the ultrasound area, there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients is thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate study may be obtained. Assists the vascular surgeons in the performance of injection of pseudoaneuryms. B. On hospital wards: As time allows, measures peripheral blood pressures at rest of ankle/toes and arm/fingers using the pocket Doppler or plethysmography for patients who have had any kind of arterial reconstructive procedure. C. In the operating room: Assists physicians by operating duplex scanner when requested. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Day tour (eg.7AM -3:30PM, 7:30AM-4PM, or 8AM-4:30PM)\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nEDRP Authorized: Please contact the VISN 20 EDRP Coordinator Stacy Hermann @ V20CompensationTeam@va.gov for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]