Clarification from the agency

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This is an open continuous announcement, applicant lists will be pulled at the end of each month or as requested by the service.

-Assist senior staff technologists / radiologists in the less complex fluoroscopic examinations.
-Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiting injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms, myelograms and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. (In the case of intravenous media, a patient IVP check list and a consent form must be obtained, when indicated.) These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, iodinated intravenous contrast medium, barium, and enema bags and contrast materials. The radiographer must know their effects and adverse reactions. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment.
-Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage.
-Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
-Receives and interprets radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. A register, requests, cancels and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (IRIS).
-Properly identifies the patient and the images. Uses L & R markers with technologist identification. This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur. The radiographer must be certain patient identification and the requests are identical.
-Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the appropriate use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, collimation and distance management. Film badges are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations and guidelines of the state.
-Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the ordered procedure. Explains to competent patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure.
-Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient' s individual medical conditions and body habitus.
-Performs radiographic exams at-the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures.
-Responsible for cleanliness (to assure that all radiological equipment is clean and sanitary) and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned
areas.
-Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor. Handles with caution and takes good care of Governments Equipment.
-Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees.
-Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of patient logbooks registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system and completion of checklist and contrast / radiology notes in the CPRS package.
-Ensures that images are successfully transmitted to PACS and are available for Radiologic interpretation (this should be done as soon as the study is completed).

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Full time and part time position(s) available.
Work Schedule: Full time 8:00am-4:30pm Rotating Weekends, on call. Part time hours discussed at interview.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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.

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

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: Applicants must have 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).

Grade Determinations:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-05:

At the GS-05 level, you must meet the basic language and education requirements listed above.

NOTE:Non-certified DRTs may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-06:

At the GS-06 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05).

OR

Education:Successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related filed to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (Transcript required)

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) IN YOUR RESUME TO QUALIFY:

1. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.

2. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.

3. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.

4. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.

5. Ability to learn basic computer functions.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-07:

At the GS-07 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

OR,

Education: Successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related filed to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (Transcript required)

OR,

Experience/Education: Successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year bachelor's degree program in radiography or directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (Transcript required)

AND,

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) IN YOUR RESUME TO QUALIFY::

1. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.

2. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.

3. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.

4. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.

5. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-08:

At the GS-08 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience at the GS-07 level would include but not be limited to:

Experience assisting with special procedures such as drainages and biopsies, routine diagnostic radiography, portable radiography, fluoroscopy, operating room imaging, and cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in computed tomography including post-processing applications.

AND,

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) IN YOUR RESUME TO QUALIFY::

1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.

2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.

3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.

4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.

5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.

6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08.

This is an open continuous announcement, applicant lists will be pulled at the end of each month or as requested by the service.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

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, resume, 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.