The Sonographer Lead functions as a healthcare provider who, working under the delegated authority of the supervising physician, serves as a medical imaging professional who provides clinically relevant information to assist the physician with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The Sonographer Lead role and responsibilities includes the supervision of sonography staff as well as professional development oversight of sonography staff. The Sonographer Lead activities are performed consistent with facility policies and procedures and applicable professional standards. 

LEAD JOB FUNCTIONS:

PERFORMANCE OF SONOGRAPHY

• Prepare exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with infectious disease, sterilization, and patient safety protocols, policies and procedures.
• Assume responsibility for the safety of the patient during the sonographic examination.
• Use proper patient positioning tools, devices, equipment adjustment, and ergonomically correct scanning techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety, and to prevent compromised data acquisition and musculoskeletal injury to the sonographer.
• Provide patient services consistent with the Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Sonographer.
• Apply independent judgment during the sonography examination to ensure that appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions are accurately captured in the examination images.
• As necessary, acquire additional ultrasound imaging to facilitate optimum diagnostic results for the interpreting physician.
• Use a variety of ultrasound equipment and understands the capabilities and limitations of each piece of equipment.
• Clean, disinfect and inspect equipment.
• Except as authorized by written facility policies and procedures, refer specific diagnostic, treatment or prognosis questions to the appropriate physician or healthcare professional.

SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT

• Coordinate, monitor, train and serve as a technical resource
• Assist manager with daily sonographer operations such as technician schedules and fulfilling coverage needs
• Provide expertise in decision making, problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Provide input for hiring and performance evaluation of ultrasound employees
• Meet the daily goals of the work group by prioritizing workflow for the care of patients.
• Arrange for service on ultrasound devices and equipment maintenance
• Notify manager of supply needs, equipment malfunction and necessary maintenance.
• Assist with the education and training of sonography students and physician residents.
• Assist and instruct peers as needed
• Assist site manager to ensure that staff professional education requirements are met and maintained, including applicable licensure, certification, and/or accreditation standards.
• Assist with developing new approaches for patient care services
• Ensure staff compliance with clinical and operational protocols, policies and procedures.
• Assist with performance assessments and annual competencies of sonographers.

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent.  
• Graduation from a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP) program is required.

Certifications/Licensure:

• Registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in a minimum of three (3) concentrations. (RDMS) in Abdomen, Ob/GYN, Fetal echocardiography, breast or pediatric sonography.
• Current CPR certification required.

Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years of recent experience and/or training (within the last twelve (12) months) as a Diagnostic Sonographer in the specialty area(s) to be performed (i.e. Medical, Cardiac, vascular), is preferred.
• One (1) year of clinical experience in a leadership role, is preferred.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of health care field, medical terminology and medical office protocols & procedures.
• Knowledge of specific assisting tasks related to the particular specialty medical practice.
• Comply with applicable laws, guidelines and standards regarding safety/infection control issues.
• Knowledge regarding quality improvement and standards of care within practice area.
• Follow HIPPA policies to maintain security of patient information. 
• Maintain patient confidentiality and privacy
• Bi-lingual English / Spanish preferred.

Skills:

• Excellent customer service skills
• Tact and diplomacy with interpersonal interactions.
• Able to work hands-on with patients.
• Good verbal and written communication skills. 
• Basic computer skills and basic knowledge of MS Office, Word and Excel.

Abilities:

• Ability to effectively motivate and lead others.
• Self-motivated & directed with regard to increasing level of understanding and knowledge.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks/projects and meet objectives and deadlines.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors at all times.
• Ability to learn and retain information regarding patient care procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Physical Requirements:

• Considerable time spent walking and standing for up to four to six hours per day.
• Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics when making necessary patient transfers and assisting patients.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds. 
• Frequent interaction with a varied and diverse patient population.
• Employee may be exposed to chemical vapors such as cleaning and disinfecting solutions. There may also be skin contact with these substances. 
• Employee may be exposed to infectious agents including blood borne pathogens 

Equipment Operated:

• Standard medical exam/office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephone systems and may include computerized health information management system for medical records, etc.

Work Environment:

• Combination of medical office and exam/procedure room settings. Position is in a well-lit, well ventilated space.

Safety:

• All employees are responsible for complying with safe and healthful work practices as outlined in the Company's Employee Safety and Injury and Illness Prevention Program and policies and procedures specific to their department needs.