Clarification from the agency

Open to U.S Citizens. Note: Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement.

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This Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR) position is in Radiology services at the Providence VA Medical Center, located at the Providence location. This position is a full-time at 40 per week. The incumbent evaluates new products and equipment and makes recommendations to the supervisor concerning upgrades/new purchases that would improve operations. The incumbent develops and maintains protocol manuals for procedures performed in the section. The incumbent is responsible for implementation and adherence to all safety practices and policies for the section. Duties include but not limited to:

• Performs imaging using DR and CR. All examinations are processed digitally. This work includes computer manipulation (window/level), correct orientation of the images, patient image acquisition through work list and releasing images to the PACS storage system and burning of images to CD. Knowledge of procedures results in accurate and properly processed radiographs.
• Assists radiologist during fluoroscopic examinations.
• Prepares oral contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for oral exams of the GI tract. These procedures may require the use of barium suspension, gastrografin, and sodium bicarbonate crystals.
• Responsible to the radiologist and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient radiation dose. Advises radiologist, participating providers or referring physicians of examinations requiring their immediate attention.
• Performs other imaging related duties as assigned including but not limited to PICC line insertion, lumbar puncture, PCN tube changes and other fluoroscopic procedures.
• Perform complex procedures including but not limited to MRA of the chest, abdomen, head, neck and extremity, MRI spectroscopy, prostate, and functional imaging for research studies of the brain and anesthesia cases.
• Prepare magnet for daily operation, brings system up, and checks all self-calibrating parameters. Employee maintains the cleanliness of his/her assigned work area, maintains necessary supplies.
• Recognize and exhibit good safety practices to include compliance with published and communicated safety procedures and reporting observed safety infractions and unsafe working conditions to the MRI Safety Officer, a supervisor and Clinical Engineering as well as work related illnesses and injuries.
• Observe patient safety guidelines as set forth within DIS and PVAMC policies and procedures. Monitors all equipment brought into the MRI environment to ensure it is MRI safe or MRI compatible and never permits unauthorized personnel inside the gauss line of the magnet.

• This position is in the Excepted Service.
• THIS OPEN & CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT (OCA) ESTABLISHES A STANDING REGISTER OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS, which closes on 9/30/2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 5/30/2024 with subsequent reviews every other week as additional vacancies occur, or on an as-needed basis, until positions are filled. Please see the "What To Expect Next" area of the announcement which provides additional information on the referral process for this type of announcement.
• This position is not a Bargaining Unit position.
• This position is covered by a special rate.
• Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
• Applicants must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.

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.
• 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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 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).

• Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient section operation.
• Ability to analyze and use data effectively to manage section workload, quality, performance, and productivity.
• Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Ability to supervise technologists performing a wide variety of difficult radiographic exams (CT, MRI, Special Procedures, Mammography, Ultrasound).
• Ability to interview and evaluate candidates for positions, evaluate subordinate performance, recommend appointments, advancements, or recommend or take appropriate disciplinary actions.
• Skill in participating in organizational facility initiatives, workgroups, and/or committees.
• In addition to the KSA's above, this series has a specialized assignment for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). Therefore you must also have the following experience:
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). This 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.

• Lift, move or push heavy equipment, specifically cassettes, mobile x-ray equipment, stretchers and/or wheelchairs with patients in them.
• Assist in lifting patients who may be paralyzed, comatose or otherwise incapacitated, from stretchers or wheelchairs to x-ray tables and back.
• Provide physical assistance and care for patients in a timely manner in all circumstances.
• Reach overhead in order to manipulate an x-ray tube.

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.