Clarification from the agency

IF YOU ARE APPLYING AS CURRENT, INTERNAL APPLICANT FROM THE VA, OR FEDERAL EMPLOYEE FROM ANOTHER AGENCY, THEN YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR MOST RECENT NON-AWARD SF50 AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED AS AN INTERNAL APPLICANT.

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This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2023, or until the vacancy is filled. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 14, 2023, 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

The incumbent serves as the Assistant Chief Technologist with supervisory responsibilities for the Imaging Technologists and Program Support Assistants as assigned to ensure patient care and administrative requirements to support the Imaging Service needs.

• The incumbent shall direct and provide supervision to imaging employees as assigned and as required for re-organization purposes or operational requirement; staff paygrades range from GS-5 to GS-11.
• Responsible for acquiring knowledge, implementing, and training staff of new processes, procedures, exam protocols, technological advances, and any other proficiency related to imaging in their technical field as well as administrative requirements to maintain their professional or imaging competencies. Responsible for maintaining staff competency folders.
• Train, facilitate, lead, or coordinate proper orientation of new staff, residents, and affiliated x-ray students.
• Evaluate and conduct appraisals and periodic assessment of staff.
• Review, discuss, and approve types of leave (annual leave, sick leave, administrative absence, FMLA, military) and payroll requests such as comp time (CT) and overtime (OT) by staff in accordance with regulations while using necessary documents and VATAS.
• Utilize electronic management tools or coordination with various services with direct expertise in the field to include DSS, Fiscal, Payroll.
• Incumbent shall, perform, facilitate, designate, and monitor non-VA care referrals.
• Accurately input images received from external sources following national radiology guidance; upload them into the PACS system; and close out the requisition to ensure requesting providers are alerted.
• Assures section operations are complying with patient care and safety standards as set forth by the MQSA, Joint Commission, OIG, VACO, ACR, NHPP and other regulatory bodies.
• Overall responsibility for coordination and performance of the imaging program.
• Performs exams and assists with procedures as needed in field of expertise and to maintain qualifications.
• Ensures all staff are properly vetted, qualified, and credentialed.
• For acquisition, the incumbent, in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), shall conduct research and evaluation of new equipment in accordance with end user's needs and best practice for patient procedures.
• Self-directed in assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating patient care activities and processes at the Medical Center and CBOCs.
• Demonstrates effective coordination for care of Veterans requiring imaging/scheduling within ECHCS and Community Care facilities.
• Ensures service is complying with orders management guidance and proper tracking of exams and procedures; utilizes information to make changes within the service.
• Serves as a resource to patients, ancillary, and support services to control and prevent inappropriate imaging scheduling, thus decreasing no-shows and increasing utilization of appointments (including reminder letters and calls).

Work Schedule: M-F, 8am-4:30pm
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 554-56318-O
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.
• 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

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), and7407(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.***CURRENT CERTIFICATION REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION***
• 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}. ***TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION***

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:
Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS 10 directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist,[PACS technologist, clinical program director], or an assistant chief radiologic technologist.

And
Knowledge skills Abilities and The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk(*):
i. Knowledge of overall radiology department operations, and the ability to judge effectiveness of the operation.
ii. *Ability to monitor and evaluate subordinate supervisor's performance.
iii. *Ability to formulate plans, delegate authority, and follow-up on delegated tasks.iv. Knowledge of new and recent developments in the field.

***KSAS SHOULD BE CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED IN DUTES SECTION OF RESUME IN ORDER TO BE FOUND QUALIFIED, PLEASE BE DESCRIPTIVE IN DESCRIBING DUTIES PERFORMED***

Preferred Experience: Preferred recent supervisory experience of 2 years; experience in a specialized modality as an advanced DRT (CT, MRI, IR, Ultrasound, or Mammography)

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5005.

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.