Clarification from the agency

1st Area of Consideration - Current Facility and CBOC employees 2nd Area of Consideration - VA Nationwide applicants 3rd Area of Consideration - Federal employees of other agencies; If you are not a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply CBST-10873573-20-RCM

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The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist serves as a multi-disciplined technologist with primary responsibilities for performing a broad range of ultrasonography procedures including abdominal scanning, GYN scanning, small parts scanning, duplex Doppler studies, localization studies, and biopsy direction studies. The incumbent also has the responsibility for performing a full range of diagnostic radiological procedures including angiography, venography or studies, interventional procedures, bone, chest and fluoroscopic studies. Duties include but not limited to:
- Selects proper technical factors in scanning planes necessary for accurate portrayal of information so that each organ or system under study may be optimized in the imaging process.
- Utilizes scanning and radiological equipment to its maximum potential with recognition of the limitation of such so that new positions or protocols may be developed to optimize the diagnostic examination.
- Performs ultrasonic imaging studies for visualization and determination of organ position, form, structure, pathology, and localization possesses. These studies will include the examinations of the abdominal structures; studies of chest structures; studies of pre and post organ transplant duplex/color Doppler evaluation; studies of the vascular system, studies of the retroperitoneal structures; gynecological structures as well as any new protocols designed to study body parts by employment of this equipment.
- Properly identifies patient by asking patient full name and full Social security number, asking patient for Identification card, or checking identification wristband. Receives patients and explains procedure methods. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Positions patients for procedure and looks after needs of patient while undergoing examination.
- Operation of complex ultrasound equipment pertinent to the study including B mode, Doppler, real-time, with proper transducer selection and equipment control manipulation of amplitude which will be varied by the technologist in accordance with the body part, pathology, and structure under study and is solely recognized and manipulated by the technologist as an impending factor upon the validity of the study.
- Constant initial interpretation of sonographic imaging studies while this data is being generated so that the equipment operator may utilize their knowledge skill and ability to determine proper equipment settings, proper body positioning, and proper probe positioning to achieve specific diagnostic results.
- Consults, coordinates, and updates any information necessary with the lead or chief technologist and scheduling staff to plan organize and coordinate patient care studies.
- Utilizes the DHCP Radiology package to account for any and all procedures performed by the employee.- Recognizes any need for repair of sonographic or ancillary equipment and notifies the chief technologist of any equipment performance problems. Interfaces with the service person so that repair work may be accomplished effectively and efficiently. Maintain operations log, maintenance and service reports.
- Maintains order and cleanliness of the equipment and work area to provide a correct operating environment for the performance of such studies.
- Establish and monitor quality control programs.
- Maintain inventory of lab, medical, and computer supplies and initiate procedures to replenish stock and to receive stock supplies as well as maintains knowledge of new developments of both technical and ancillary products available for the sonographic field so that the individual may advise as to the selection of such items for the improvement of sonographic services.
- Maintain files of patient, computer data, and technical parameters of each examination.
- Prepares patients for examination by explanation and teaching of procedures to the individual under going the study as well as seeking out of pertinent clinical history or additional clinical history for correlation with the test to be performed including any necessary consultation with the referring physician regarding a patient's history and the decision of appropriate ultrasonic procedures to be performed in the role of advising the referring physician as to the availability of different types of studies and the most proper utilization of such studies.
- Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; call

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

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:

a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)
b. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. [In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.]
c. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).]

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).

Preferred Experience: ARRT - Diagnostic Radiology

Grade Determinations:

Creditable Experience:

Ultrasound [Diagnostic] Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The practitioner must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. Within this specialization, there is a diverse range of ultrasound imaging sub-specialties. These include: 1) diagnostic medical sonography - abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic, [musculoskeletal (MSK), a breast; and 2) vascular sonography-arterial and venous doppler, spectral analysis, and calculating ankle brachial index (ABI)].

[Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-8
Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.

[Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-9
(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-8) grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
(2) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:
(a) [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.

References: December 13, 2019 VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25

Physical Requirements: The work of this position requires long periods of standing and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing/pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices (ie. EZ-MAT).

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.