Clarification from the agency

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DUTIES:

• Performs radiographic exams in the department (general x-ray, general fluoroscopy, or bedside (portable x-ray) under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. Has adequate knowledge to operate all ionizing equipment.
• Properly identifies patient by confirming patient name and social security number. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by using the ALARA principals, lead aprons, lead gloves, lead eye protection, lead shields, lead-lined walls, collimation and proper positioning. Film badges are worn and exchanged in a timely manner. 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. Knowledgeable of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques including concepts of accumulated dosage and genetic changes.
• 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 and reducing costs
• Interprets and follows the requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinician. Discusses any case that deviates from normal protocol set by the radiologist.
• Skill to recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor and equipment specialist
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power and properties of x-ray in order to understand the operation of equipment.
• Performs quality control of the images produced, assessing for proper exposure, positioning and annotation. Applies post-processing techniques such as window leveling, edge enhancement, brightness and annotation corrections as necessary before routing images to workstation and/or PACS.
• Responsible for medication reconciliation with each patient when IV contrast is indicated after the requisition is protocoled by the Radiologist. Technologist utilizes Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) to verify history, allergy, medication and lab information as related to contrast administration. Screens for contraindications to contrast (i.e. contrast allergy, renal insufficiency, etc.) and provides medication instructions for pre and post contrast administration (i.e. Metformin).
• Appropriately prepares and maintains sterile field, including preparation of necessary supplies such as access sets and needles, syringes, guidewires, catheters, stents, etc. Assures that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the sterile field. Appropriately labels all articles on the sterile tray. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques, proper storage of sterile supplies, proper disposal of products including sharps, antineoplastic drugs and hazardous materials, proper hand washing/surgical scrub techniques and time-out participation.
• Technologist at this level will serve as preceptor, mentor, and resource for other employees, students and staff. Monitors performance of Radiologic Technologist students from affiliated training programs. Participates in education and oversight.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:45am-4:30pm Rotating on-call and shift coverage
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

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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).

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 by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography and Computed Tomography is required.
• Must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Must be fully trained and working independently in the following modalities: General Radiology, Computed Tomography and Interventional Radiology
• Must have worked at least one year at the next lower grade.

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:GS10Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification

Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

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:

Preferred Experience: Candidates must be a A.R.R.T Certified as DRT (Diagnostic Radiology Technician) along with A.R.R.T Certification in CT (Computed Tomography)

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25The full performance level of this vacancy is 10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 10 to 10.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting and twisting. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees. Wearing lead to protect self when assigned to fluoroscopic procedures or exams.

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.