Clarification from the agency

Open to All US Citizens and Permanent Federal Employees.

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The technologist operates a super conductive MRI, a highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire diagnostic images. Secondary equipment assigned is at least 50% of duties, is a CT scan, a highly complex computerized imaging device-or diagnostic radiology procedures. Incumbent supports radiologists or other medical officers to produce diagnostic imaging studies used to diagnose medical conditions. Routine examinations include but are not limited to imaging studies of the skull/brain, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, spine, extremities and soft tissue studies, contrast studies of the digestive system, lower extremity circulatory system, spinal canal, joints and other internal organs and systems. The technologist will also utilize their skills as a DRT to perform routine and urgent care X-Ray studies.
Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Computerized Tomography (CT) Examinations (50%):
  • The incumbent works independently in performing CT examinations, confers with radiologists only to establish the requirements of nonstandard examinations, and determines technical requirements of the CT examination.
  • The Technologist independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. If a discrepancy exists, the Technologist will make an independent determination and take the appropriate corrective action.
  • The Technologist verifies the patient's identity following VHA directives and policies.
  • The Technologist will determine what views and technique to use based on this information for maximum diagnostic effectiveness. If the diagnostic goal is not met initially, the Technologist will make an independent decision to take addition views or alter the technique to achieve the goal, keeping in mind the ALARA principles, before the patient leaves the department.
  • The Technologist reviews the patient's lab results in VISTA/ CPRS prior to performing the exam to verify that the patient can safely receive IV contrast. If the Technologist determines that the patient is at risk for an allergic reaction, or if the patient's renal function is impaired, the Technologist will closely consult with the Radiologist and/or Clinician to determine the best course of action.
  • The Technologist must use a wide variety of computerized equipment specific to CT, as well as be proficient with the use of power injector systems, patient monitoring devices, colon insufflators, 3D workstations and the PACS, IMP AX computer viewing station software.
  • The Technologist maintains the CT area with proper medical and Emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care, safety and efficiency.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Examinations (50%):
  • The MRI Technologist is responsible for the safety of the patient entering the magnet room (Zone IV), and for the safety of the personnel, visitors and ancillary staff in the MRI area (Zones III and IV).
  • The Technologist independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. In addition, the MRI Technologist will determine which protocol and sequences will be scanned based on the patient's clinical history and diagnosis.
  • The MRI Technologist must continually monitor the patient, and have regular communication with them to reassure them, and to keep them informed of the progress of the exam and provide them with any special instructions.
  • The Technologist must continually check each sequence after completion for patient motion, field of view, and for the desired clinical information. The Technologist reviews the exam as it is being performed, and again prior to completion to be sure the clinical goals have been achieved.
  • The MRI technologist performs daily pre-procedure quality control on the scanner. The Technologist interprets this information to determine if the scanner is within diagnostic specification. If needed, the Technologist will take corrective action, and redo the calibration to bring the scanner values to acceptable levels.
  • The Technologist maintains the MRI area with proper medical and emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care, safety, and efficiency.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm (Subject to change based on agency needs.)
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #: 619-076
EDRP Authorized: Contact Lakita.Bush@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more?
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not available
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not available
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:

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements.

Creditable Experience:
(1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10

(1) 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.

(2) 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 incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:


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.

i. Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area.

ii. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones.

iii. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issued and enforced.

iv. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards.

v. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety.


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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: The individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, standing up to 6 hours, wearing PPE (Lead Apron) up to 6 hours, bending, transferring. stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. 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. Must also be able to speak, see and hear. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy.

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.