DUTIES LISTED ARE NOT ALL INCLUSIVE:
The incumbent operates as an advanced DRT technologist, specializing 99% of the time working in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and 1% General Radiology. Independently performs standard general imaging and complex MRI and CT examinations including non-standard and advanced protocols such as emergency and inpatient examinations, befitting a 1A high Complexity Medical Center. Assist or support Medical Support Assistants in Scheduling patient for examinations. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearranges scan patients schedule to accommodate patients with urgent needs. them. Interaction with all customers with the respectfully. and normal occurrence of the daily duties of the operator.

• Assist senior (GS 10) technologist in developing alternate imaging processes.
• Performs MRI/General Radiography examinations of the brain, face, larynx, nasopharynx, head, orbits, neck, paranasal sinus, parotid glands, tongue and oropharynx, TMJ, chest, abdomen (adrenal, kidney, liver, pancreas), pelvis (bladder, prostate, scrotum), and extremities (shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, and foot/ankle).
• The incumbent shall perform emergent exams from the Emergency Department and anesthesia/high risk patient exams including inpatients.
• Monitors special equipment such as monitors, pulse oximeter, ECG, infusion pumps,oxygen equipment, and respirators.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform quality post-procedure reformats and send them to PACS when necessary.
• Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to include peripheral equipment and protocols such as 3D reconstruction to ensure accurate results.
• Prepares the MRI magnet for daily operation, brings system up, checks all self-calibrating parameters.
• Assist physicians and other employees in the development and execution of research protocols and maintaining the records as necessary to validate the research project of funding grants.
• Interview patients about their medical history. Explains examinations to be performed to the patients.
• Performs routine clerical procedures, either from internal or external source, for the purpose of maintaining accurate records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved.
• Reviews and apply, when directed, new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section.
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that referring services understand the proper preparations for MRI examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations.
• Ensure that all forms are placed for proper inclusion to the patient's medical record to include scanning forms and questionnaires with their images.
• Transmits images to PACS, contracted facilities, or unto requested CD that meets privacy guideline
• Performs quality assurance testing on the MRI unit using phantoms, test tools, test check lists, etc. for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the equipment.
• Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the work area is clean and sanitary.
• The incumbent uses computer programs with competence.
• Employee has a responsibility to recognize and exhibit good safety practices,
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self.
• Employees will use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required and supplied by the medical center.
• Complies with facility privacy policies and will not discuss findings or show films/images of the examinations to patients or their families.
• Adhere to quality control (QC) programs.
• Monitors patients during and after injection to see if there is any reaction and informing Radiologist and/or Radiology nurse, or appropriate practitioners.
• Monitors patients that have been medicated for discomfort and provide early detection of potential complications.
• Patient verification shall be conducted to avoid mistaken identities: sound alike names or last 4. Utilize at least 2 of 4 methods: full name; full social security, date of birth or arm band for inpatients.
• Register patients and answers telephones when clerks are not available.
• Maintain required licensure to include ARRT (R), special modality certification (MRI), BLS/CPR, TMS completion or other hospital training requirement as well as skills in starting IV thru peripheral veins and contrast administration as approved by Radiologists.

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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/21/2020.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)

Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Advanced certification
indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination.

Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology.

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 Determination

GS-9 DRT
Experience. At least 1 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.

Advanced DRT. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. 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 the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
*a. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures;
b. Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers;
*c. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure;
d. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography;
e. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; and
f. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Full Performance Level: the full performance level of this position is a GS-9. The grade to be hired is a GS-09

References: See VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over), heavy carrying (45 lbs and over), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (up to 8 hours), standing (up to 8 hours), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), vision (in at least one eye, glasses are permitted).

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.

NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will recommend grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.

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.