Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to U.S. Public citizens. Current, permanent employees of Veterans Health Administration should apply to: CBSU-12311645-24-JMS

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1. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled and has undergone a two year approved training program and is ARRT certified in MRI.
2. Requires additional knowledge of super conducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they related to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must have specific specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body.
3. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter into. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radiofrequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in Computerized Radiography (CR) and Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS).
4. Thorough knowledge of radiation standards and protective devices and their uses for personnel and patients, to include non-ferrous equipment or other functioning equipment which could be injurious mechanically or radiation wise to patients and personnel. Must have the ability to deviate equipment use or procedures and techniques in the event of mechanical failures to any part of equipment.
5. Thorough knowledge of skeletal, vascular, neurological, and trans-sectional anatomy. Knowledge of physiology and cross-sectional anatomy such as the location and appearance of abnormalities which are illustrated by general diagnostic/MRI scanning; to recognize scans/images which best illustrate lesions and/or abnormalities; and to recognize when additional scans/images or different scans/images or positions are needed to fully illustrate the lesion and/or abnormalities.
6. Knowledge of techniques pertinent to general diagnostic/MRI to insure high resolution scans, tissue volume to be scanned plus thickness of cuts. Ability to logically interpret radiology requests and patient chart information, and correlate information with patients¿ current physical status, relating information as indicated.
7. Knowledge of basic psychology for handling patients in all phases of general diagnostic/MRI including critical care, trauma, apprehensive, and disoriented patients, and also to cope with patients¿ families. Ability to function with all types of personnel as a team member and to think and act independently under extreme pressure.
8. Knowledge of first-aid procedures for seizures, cardiac arrest, anaphalactic shock, and contrast reactions. Ability to perform artificial respiration and CPR. Minimum knowledge of basic pharmacology. Knowledge of basic nursing procedures relative to radiology aseptic and/or sterile procedures, and decontamination procedures in the event of a contaminated field, room and or an isolation patient.
9. Knowledge of general diagnostic/MRI technical exposure factors and programming, with the ability to individually review images for quality control determinations by checking density, contrast, distortion and other varying factors.
10. Knowledge of computer functions as related to general diagnostic/MRI scanning, disc storage and use, maintenance of workstation computer files, machine warm up and calibration procedures, limited preventive maintenance to general diagnostic/MRI scanning unit and computer components for emergency trouble shooting.
11. Knowledge of basic computer operations including limited programming functions, keyboard inputs, purpose and functions, or computer programs needed to carry out other job duties.
12. Accuracy, skill and speed in work are essential to providing these quality images in a fast paced setting. Radiographer is required to maintain a current knowledge of new developments in MRI/general diagnostic.
13. Practices MRI safety in order to protect patients, staff and self. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the medical center and service, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
14. Continually review new developments in MRI and general imaging in order to provide physicians and patients with the best possible examination.
15. Prepares contrast materials which are used in MRI and general diagnostic studies. The technologist must be continuously on alert to the patient's condition and other disorders that increase risk. Patient reactions require immediate attention to decrease harm to the patient.
16. Maintains digital and manual records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of archival library as well as patient log books, requisitions and documentation of edited patient exams.

Work Schedule: 3:pm to 11 PM Variable
Functional Statement #: 52733-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified candidates

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.
• 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

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:

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)
Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (OR).
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).
NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).

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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9
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 applicant at least 25% of the time.
DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. 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 all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk:

• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Preferred Experience: Highly qualified candidates will have experience in Cardiology Interventional DRT work.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25

This position is being announced above the Full Performance Level as a GS-9

Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and physical exertion. The incumbent will lift and bend frequently to position patients for testing. Reaching and stretching is required to set up equipment; pushing and pulling ambulato1y equipment is necessary between patient care areas. He/she will also be required to walk long distances between testing areas. Dexterity is required. All the above physical demands must be performed while wearing approved radiation safety equipment.

Work Environment: Performs his/her work in a setting which regularly and recurrently involves exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, radiation risks and other risks that require special health and safety precautions such as gloves, protective clothing, and the use of radiation safety badges. Expose to radioactivity occurs on a daily basis and special care in monitoring the incumbents is required. Also, radiation training is mandatory in this work arena.

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.