Clarification from the agency

This is an open continuous announcement until 12/31/2024. Applicants will be referred as they are received. Announcement may close before closing date.

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VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

Supports Radiologists and/or other medical officers, to produce high quality images for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions. The incumbent is expected to prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. DRT staff will be assigned to specialized areas by the Radiology Management based on clinical needs as long as the areas are within the certifications of the staff.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes.
• Technologist works under the supervision of Radiology Manager/Supervisor and rotates all responsibilities within the CT section. He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and supervisor on more difficult exams. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives.
• Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include but are not limited to CT examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, neck, as well as CT Angiographic studies of the head, chest, abdomen and lower extremities.
• Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas and Run-Offs. The radiographic goal of CT is to provide high quality axial imaging; generate the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient.
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT to include CT Angiography and other exams.
• Technologist must utilize lead aprons, lead gloves, and lead shields when exposed to radiation.
• Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS.
• Technologist works with CT schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments.
• Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals/contrast (IV and oral) used in the department. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies, notifying supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance.
• Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus.
• Properly identifies patient scan by using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists, R & L markers, correct amount and type of contrast administered, timelines for any timed examinations, patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan.
• Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment.
• Responsible to adhering to the RME policies and procedures within the Radiology Service.
• Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations and using protective equipment when required and provided.
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of CT, which may require mandatory off-site training for new equipment training.
• Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients.
• Technologist uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail through Microsoft Outlook.

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Work Schedule: On-call Service, Regular to Shift Work Schedule
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

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.

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:

• 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), and 7407(d).
• Certification: 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. Advanced certification indicates that the applicant can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination.
• Education: Applicant must have completed a full-time training course of at least 24 months in a 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 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.

1. 2. 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.
   3. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

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:

GS-09 Experience Requirement: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08, 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 incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

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.
ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Specialized Experience:

Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of

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.