Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to Permanent Birmingham VAMC and CBOC employees Permanent Canteen Service (VCS) employees who have completed 90 days of continuous service in the VCS, and all permanent IT employees who are assigned to the Office of Information and Technology(OI&T).

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The Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (IR/Vascular) will direct, assist, oversee, plan, and develop activities for interventional area at BVAMC as well as other staff (IR/Vascular) technologist duties. As a The Lead (IR/Vascular) technologist, he/she will perform procedures and examinations under the general direction of the Supervisory DRT (IR/Vascular) or Chief Technologist/Imaging Program Administrator of Radiology or the Radiologist. Also, the incumbent assures optimum patient care, quality control, and the efficient performance of all activities under his/her leadership. The Lead (IR/Vascular) technologist must possess the ability to direct, assign, oversee and support multiple staff members and when appropriate, inform the Supervisory DRT (IR/Vascular) of any incident or situation that could warrant possible disciplinary actions. Incumbent will work closely with the technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum patient care is understood to be the primary goal of all interventional areas to assure there is a high-quality diagnostic/therapeutic imaging exam result and a positive patient satisfaction. The Lead (IR/Vascular) Technologist operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the coordination and performance of all diagnostic/therapeutic interventional exams, injection, and guided biopsy procedures. These exams are performed with and without contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment will be delivered.

The Lead DRT (IR/Vascular) utilizes specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures, complex vascular and nonvascular interventional, and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems, major vessel, and anatomy by the incumbent. The Lead DRT (IR/Vascular) must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The Lead DRT (IR/Vascular) administers contrast media and confers with the radiologist/physician to establish requirements with reference to contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. The incumbent will assist in all fluoroscopic and ultrasound examinations in the Special Procedure, Vascular, and Pain suites. In all interventional procedure cases, a patient consent form must be obtained. Sterile technique must always be practiced. The incumbent performs routine, daily cleaning of assigned area, and notifies supervisor of inventory changes.

The incumbent practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the using the properly radiation apparel (aprons, thyroid shield, lead glasses) and collimation. Radiation monitor for all individuals are always required to be worn during all procedures whether observing or participating to assure compliance to radiation safety policy. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.

The incumbent maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. The incumbent utilizes the computerized patient record system (CPRS) to assist with accessing pertinent patient data as required. He/she will be familiar with the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) computer system to access other information and documentation as needed while assuring correct CPT codes are utilized and documenting items used in the procedures (contrast, implant, etc.).

The incumbent is responsible for stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. He/she must report equipment malfunctions to the supervisor in a timely manner. The incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. He/she must demonstrate professionalism to promote good relations with other services.


Work Schedule: Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm, with some on-call.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/FS-53591F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Conditions of employment

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• 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).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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.]
• 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).]

Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment

Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation.

English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

GRADE REQUIREMENTS.

Interventional Radiography (IR) Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. IR technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS.


GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist , GS-10

(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-09 level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

(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:

Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
1. Ability to provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work.
2. *Ability to resolve informal employee complaints.
3. *Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures.
4. Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G25 Dated December 13, 2019.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking 6 hours, standing 8 hours, specific visual requirement, specific hearing requirements, emotional and mental stability, ability to read typewritten characters with or w/o glasses, ability to hear conversational voice with or w/o hearing aid.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.