Clarification from the agency

Current permanent employees of the Veterans Administration, and Other Federal Employees.

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This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/General/CT/Bone Densitometry position is in the Radiology Services at the Togus Maine VA Medical Center, located at the Togus location. This is a full time position at 40 hours a week. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures.
• Direct radiography, computed radiography and digital imaging are used to capture and process images.
• Performs DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorbtiometry) bone density exams of spine, femur and extremities.
• Performs fluoroscopic imaging during examinations conducted by other providers.
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for examinations requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms, and arthrography and barium suspensions, and CT Contrast, for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract.
• Performs all linear and complex motion tomography and is familiar in setting up the machine and setting factors for density control.
• Advises Radiologists, participating providers or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of examinations requiring their immediate attention.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self.
• Performs imaging using direct radiography, computed radiography, and computed tomography.
• Knowledge of procedures results in accurate and properly processed radiographs.
• Performs computerized axial tomographic scanning of heads and/or bodies.
• Schedules patients for examinations.
• Maintains records of CT patients examined, examination performed, scans taken and type of scans.
• Performs bone densitometry examinations utilizing the Hologic DEXA scanner.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients.
• Trains students in radiographic technique including positioning, exposure factors, patient identification, and environmental factors which result in optimal imaging and meet the needs of the students during their rotation at this facility.
• In absence of Lead technologist, performs daily checks/calibrations on equipment (crash cart, DR room CR systems, and CT Scanner Room) to ensure correct function.
• Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in all assigned areas.
• Assists with other functions such as reception, registration, patient preparation, maintenance of records, as well as other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full time, Schedule TBD
Compressed/Flexible: Authorized
Telework: Not authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: F03190
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: - Authorized - Contact Jaime Perez Jr Jaime.Perez3@va.gov EDRP Coordinator for questions or assistance on how to begin the application process.Learn more
EDRP - Assignment code - 00
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
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

Notifications:

- This position is in an AFGE Bargaining Unit.
- This position is in the Excepted Service.
- This position is on a special salary rate.
- Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
- The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's.
- Current and former Federal employees 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. Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted.
- Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) will be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.

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.
• May be subject to satisfactory completion of our credentialing process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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.
• 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 computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable. 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). 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), and 7407(d).

GS 9 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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.

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.

General Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).

Bone Densitometry (BD). This non-invasive test measures bone mineral content to diagnose a systemic skeletal disease (osteoporosis) characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural distortion of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture.

The candidate must demonstrate the experience above as well as the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

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

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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate lifting and carrying, up to 44 lbs. Limited to 35lbs. with straight pulling; pushing; reaching at and above shoulders; use of both hands and fingers required; walking and/or standing (6- 8hours); crawling; kneeling; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.

Physical Environment: The size and layout of the facility must be adequate to allow for patient comfort, privacy and special needs as well as fostering appropriate workflow. This includes areas for imaging exams, control rooms, processing, image interpretation, patient changing, recovery/post-procedural care, waiting, administration, storage, record filing, medical physics services, engineering services, and staff. Hospital Care setting.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other VA employees.
3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.

Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal agencies.

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.