Clarification from the agency

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This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 16, 2021. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be January 05, 2021, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

Additionally reconstruct all CT scans for 3D Imaging, Volume Rendering, Saggital, and Coronal, Axial and Maximum Intense Projection (MIP) Imagery. 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 and Picture Achieving System (PACS), 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 particular interest to the physician Some of the duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc.

• Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams.
• Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning.
• Schedules patients for examinations. and advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results.
• Additionally, the technologist notifies the physician of scans requiring their immediate attention.
• Implements radiation safety practices that exceed or meet national standards. Exercisers the ALARA (As Low AS Reasonably Achievable) principle of radiation reduction with every patient and every exam.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm with an 8 hour shift with rotating calls. Once completely staffed tour of duty could change to meet 24 hours and 7 day a week operational needs.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Recruitment Incentive: May be Authorized

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:

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

Preferred Experience:Grade Determinations for GS-09:

Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 08) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience listed above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

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

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

This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements: DRT's work 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 (i.e. EZ-MAT) provided by the Radiology Section. Near vision correctable at 13 inches to 16 inches to Jaeger 1 - 4 and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other is acceptable. Hearing aids 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.