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The VA New Jersey Health Care System is recruiting 3 Full-Time Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Multi-Modality) (MRI) positions located in East Orange, New Jersey.

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Multi-Modality) (MRI) is responsible for multi-modality coverage across campuses and performs. The incumbent performs magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations on all body regions, including complex procedures with multiplanar reformations, 3-dimensional reconstructions, dynamic contrast imaging, body MRI, and MRI angiography CT, and MRI exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. Also performs general diagnostic radiography to include, but not limited to, diagnostic x-rays of all body regions, bone-length examinations, bone surveys, general fluoroscopic examinations and Bone Densitometry studies to be performed in both in and outpatient clinic settings and in the operating room environment (C-Arm).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.]

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Performs all types of CT procedures utilizing current software upgrades, including cardiac, CTA, head, body, neck, chest, spine, extremity, CT guided biopsies, etc.
• Performs all types of MR and MRA procedures to include MR studies of the head, body, neck, chest, extremity, heart, and MRA studies, etc.
• Performs second screening of patients.
• Observes TJC standards relative to patient safety and the ACR recommendations by following written SOPs for the MR Section.
• General diagnostic radiography to include, but not limited to, diagnostic x-rays of all body regions, bone-length examinations, bone surveys, general fluoroscopic examinations and Bone Densitometry studies to be performed in both in and outpatient clinic settings and in the operating room environment (C-Arm).
• Prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. is a required function of this position.
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography, MRI and other exams.
• Insert IV needles for administration of contrast material as needed.
• Performs reconstructions of CT, angiographic and MRI studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure.
• Properly identifies patient images.
• Send all images through to PACS system.
• Explain the procedures to the patients.
• Stock and inventory of all CT and Special/interventional supplies and related materials
• Respects the patient's right to privacy and confidentially.
• Performs quality assurance activities based on established protocols and documents the findings.
• Continually improves quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available.
• Practices radiation safety (ALARA) in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self.
• Never utilizes additional patient exposure to acquire/produce the required procedure images for interpretation by the radiologist.
• Always seeks approval from a radiologist before performing any additional procedures.
• Familiar with the principals of DR and PACS.
• Reports results at the monthly staff meetings.
• Understands the principals of digital imaging and PACS.
• Correctly identifies the appropriate codes
• Accesses correct patient information.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Work Schedule: Varies, as dictated by patient care needs
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 25546-F
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 evaluation.
• 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:
1. Citizenship: Citizen of the United States.

2. 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). Applicant MUST upload transcript and/or diploma at the time you apply to this announcement.

3. 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 above the full performance level.
For this position, both Computerized Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) certification are required. 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.

A Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will have a current, full, active and unrestricted registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certifications for this position in computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are required. Applicant must upload proof of ARRT certification at the time of application to this announcement.

Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements. For the GS-10 Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, the following is required:

1. Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, at the GS-9 level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies.

2. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

Assignment. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program.

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 provided by the Radiology Section. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD, GS-0647

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is at the GS-10 level.

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.