Medical Instrument Technician - Diagnostic Ultrasound

Summary

The technologist has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of breast sonography and will assist with all ultrasounds guided procedures in the imaging department at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. The breast ultrasound technologist will work closely with mammography technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction.

Duties

• Duties may include: Train new breast sonographers in all aspects of breast ultrasound scanning protocols. Recommend, coordinate, and evaluate new or modified procedures/protocols. Works with other sonographers on specialized tasks and new/modified procedures and policies. Maintain competency on all scanners and procedures. Assure that ultrasound rooms are always stocked with necessary supplies. Work closely with the Supervisor of Breast Imaging to optimize ultrasound machine times. Work with mammography technologists, radiologists, and other ultrasound technologists in the performance of diagnostic treatment. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number. Ensure patient images are properly identified and labeled. Troubleshoot PACS related issues and work closely with the administrator to resolve issues. Works independently but confers with radiologists and Supervisor on more difficult problems. Competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns. Share administrative duties, including the performance and documentation of QC and QA requirements as per policy. Works closely with Supervisor, other technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum QC. Keeps abreast of current technical literature, ACR and FDA guidelines and learns of new developments. Ensure personal certifications and qualifications are continuously monitored and kept up to date. Prepare the exam room and assist Radiologists with all ultrasound-guided breast procedures. Maintain sonography equipment and report machinery failure to Supervisor. Manage several patients and priorities and be able to adapt to a fast-paced work environment. Ensures that images are successfully transmitted to PACS and/or films are available for Radiologic interpretation. Good verbal communication, active listening, critical thinking, and excellent interpersonal skills. Good problem-solving and decision-making skills. Physical stamina to lift heavy equipment and remain on your feet for long hours. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday to Friday - 08:00am - 04:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions byVA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 22023-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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 identification 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 trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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/.