Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens and Other Current, Permanent Federal Employees of Other Agencies.

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General Description of Assigned Duties:

• Technologists working in this special assignment use their knowledge of radiology workflow and processes in conjunction with a specialized technical skillset to support and troubleshoot image processing, display, and storage systems. The PACS Technologist provides oversight and support of PACS display workstations, interfaces, secondary applications, speech recognition and other hardware that is critical to departmental efficiency and throughput among the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (SFVAHCS).
• The PACS Administrator researches and or/analyzes problems, issues, or program requirements supporting the functions of a digital imaging system; performs complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of Radiology Information System (RIS) links necessary to interface with the Hospital Information System (HIS), Application Entity Titles (AET), individual and user group creation, and access management, system filters, exam code dictionaries, Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) configuration testing, hanging protocols, voice file exchange, and other duties associated with this position.
• The incumbent ensures compliance with all national and VA information and security requirements, including archiving of images to VistA Imaging. They are responsible for maintaining data security and patient privacy in adherence to HIPAA guidelines and other regulatory standards. This role involves providing continuous training and support to clinical staff to ensure proficient use of the PACS system, effective communication and collaboration with various departments for seamless operation and integration, and troubleshooting and resolving technical issues to ensure high system availability and reliability. The incumbent submits and follows through the completion of service tickets (i.e., YourIT, LEAF, SEPG/EER, 2237 for requesting supplies, services, or equipment, etc.).
• The PACS Administrator monitors system performance, generates reports, and implements improvements based on data analysis. This position may independently function as a Diagnostic
  Radiologic Technologist (DRT), which may include complex modality such as Bone Densitometry (BD), Breast Sonography (BS), Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI), Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), Mammography (M), Nuclear Medicine Technology (N), Radiation Therapy (T), Sonography (S), Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI), or Vascular Sonography. 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.
• The incumbent is responsible for administration, planning, implementing, and performance of analytical and evaluative work for all digital imaging modalities throughout the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine imaging service (VA-San Francisco Medical Center, VA-Oakland, VA-Santa Rosa Clinic, and VA-Eureka Clinic). Defines need, documents functional requirements, and takes action to acquire and maintain Teleradiology and PACS for the Radiology Departments. Administer the day-to-day Radiology PACS operation and maintenance in a complex environment that requires extensive organization and coordination at a variety of geographically dispersed locations. Coordinates training for enterprise users on the PACS and other departmental clinical imaging systems integrated into PACS. Ensures that inquiries and problems concerning image quality related to computer hardware and software service are expeditiously resolved. The incumbent may be required to take on-call shifts depending on operational needs.
• Identify, validate, and select SFVAHCS, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), teleradiology, and PACS equipment.
• Investigate, identify, and prepare proposals to solve specific PACS problems within clinical areas.
• Provide training to radiologists, residents, and new users as required for the PACS.
• Perform applications systems design, communication integration, radiology patient flow in regard to digital imaging, local area and wide-area network design and configuration.
• Researches, learns, and applies a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to identify, assess, analyze, and improve the team effectiveness, efficiency, and work.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Telework: Not eligible for Telework
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
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).

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: 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) (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.]
• Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:

(1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.

(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.

(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.(4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.(5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.

(4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

(5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.

NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry.

• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• 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-11 PACS

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 needed to provide services as a radiologic technologist

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:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees in this assignment assume full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the radiologic technology program at a medical center or independent outpatient clinic that does not meet the level of complexity described at the GS-12 level for a chief radiologic technologist and has significant responsibility for staff. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
i. Ability to develop and initiate new imaging services that apply current research findings.
ii. Ability to participate as an instructor in the facility's in-service clinical training findings.
iii. [Ability] to interview and evaluate candidates for positions in the section and recommend appointments, advancements, or, when appropriate, disciplinary actions.
iv. Ability to evaluate performance, identify continuing education and training needs, etc.
v. Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient section operation.vi. [Skill in participating in organizational facility initiatives, workgroups, and/or committees.
vii. Ability to draft and/or recommend organizational policies and/or directives.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0647, dated December 13, 2019.

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.