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The incumbent functions independently as a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (Echocardiographer) in the Cardiology Section of Medicine Service, SFVAHCS. 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: Must be proficient in written and spoken English Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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". 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: SPECIALTY - Echocardiography Technicians operate diagnostic equipment to graphically record the position and motion of the heart walls or the internal structure of the heart and neighboring tissue by the echo obtained from beams of ultrasonic waves directed through the chest wall. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS). Creditable Experience - Knowledge of Current Medical Instrument Technician Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics associated with current Medical Instrument Technician practice appropriate to the identified specialty area. Specialized developmental experience obtained under supervision of appropriately certified individuals may be credited. GS-9 Grade Requirements - At least 1 year experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-8, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk. GS-09 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols, that pertain to Echocardiography. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. *Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *Ability to manage and supervise employees. *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. *Note: Please ensure how you meet these KSAs is clearly described in your resume; we may not make assumptions regarding your experience. Preferred Qualifications/Experience: Registration by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) or by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS). Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) certification. At least 5 years of recent (last 5 years) experience (with transthoracic echocardiography and stress echocardiography) Knowledge of 3D TEE is preferred References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 Appendix D The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; light lifting, under 15 pounds; light carrying, under 15 pounds; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; standing (4 hours); both legs required; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted); disinfecting wipes; hand sanitizer. Travel throughout Pacific Rim Environmental Factors: Dust, working closely with others, and working alone ["The cardiac sonographer is responsible for the performance of a full range of transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs) utilizing the cardiac ultrasound equipment. The cardiac sonographer uses the cardiac ultrasound machine to produce real-time ultrasound images of the heart and associated structures. The cardiac sonographer works efficiently and carries full responsibility for quality studies and for the operation of the highly specialized ultrasound equipment and computer stations within the Echocardiography Laboratory. The incumbent works closely with the cardiologists who interpret the echocardiograms. He/she provides training to cardiology fellows and ultrasound students in performance of echocardiograms. He/she will be responsible for monitoring patients independently and will need to respond to each individual patient's hemodynamic status, which may require triage to a higher level of care. The incumbent will utilize the hospital and department guidelines in completing his/her assigned work. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Performance of transthoracic and stress echocardiograms and assisting with transesophageal echocardiograms. These responsibilities require specialized knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology and biology, as well as an understanding of cardiac and ultrasound physics that allows the acquisition of accurate and appropriate measurements for the computing of complex cardiac formulas. The performance of these echocardiograms is expected during working hours. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Not required"]

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