Clarification from the agency

This is an INTERNAL ANNOUNCEMENT and is limited to current permanent employees of the St. Cloud VA Health Care System to include CBOC's---NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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The incumbent provides complete oversight and management of the Imaging service line for a wide range of comprehensive and complex diagnostic imaging services including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound (US), Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), x-ray, mobile imaging, and fluoroscopy to include fluoroscopy and US support during surgical procedures. The incumbent is responsible for strategic and logistical equipment requirements, management of the Imaging Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS), the voice activated dictation platform (PowerScribe), radiologist FPPE/OPPE process, and administration of day to day Imaging service operations. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for a large staff of subordinate personnel, multiple administrative duties in the department including records management, oversight of the Imaging department clinics, and imaging scheduling. This requires knowledge and understanding of scheduling business rules, including outpatient scheduling responsibilities, processes, and policies.

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES:
- Demonstrates leadership in interpreting and supporting the VISN 23, St. Cloud VA HCS mission, vision, and values while operating in accordance with directives and policies, including federal professional and accrediting agencies external to VHA, including Joint Commission and ACR recommendations.
- Collaborates with facility leadership and planners, service line leadership, budget, and fiscal to develop and execute a strategic plan and annual budget for the department. Incumbent manages the department in accordance with the plan and within assigned budget, reporting any changes or needs.
- Participates in and implements facility strategic planning initiatives as determined by department and facility leadership.
- Incumbent represents and participates in VISN 23 Imaging meetings and conferences, such as the VISN 23 Imaging Community of Practice, for business planning and strategic meetings. Serves on organizational committees and workgroups.
- Incumbent is the department Fund Control Point (FCP) Officer and Custodial Equipment Officer; assisting with contracting processes, resource utilization, equipment inventory, and acquisitions.
- Monitors Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and Teleradiology Service Agreements (TSAs) to ensure agreements are carried out and fulfilled according to the stated terms and conditions.
- Oversees department federal records management and works with liaison to maintain compliance and safeguard data with filing plans, retention, and disposition of records.
- Incumbent participates in the review of MCPs/SOPs, provides input to, edits, and approves Imaging policies to ensure comprehensive and technically accurate processes are in place for staff use.
- Aggregates and analyzes data on department operational functions. Monitors departmental workload, staff productivity (including radiologist), patient wait times, clinic utilization, and overall work efficiency.
- Develops and implements new imaging services that apply current research findings to broaden services offered when able to do so safely and when fiscally appropriate.
- Participates in quality performance/improvement activities and ensures compliance with JCAHO requirements for activities under Incumbents responsibility.
- Collaborates with the radiologists for overall technical quality of exams performed and provides feedback to technologists.
- Oversees management of Imaging scheduling activities to ensure it is conducted within the radiology standards and guidelines.
- As a member of the VISN 23 PACS team, monitors performance and quality control over the PACS system, VistA interface, and radiology package to ensure accurate transmission of signed reports, acceptable system performance, and operational parameters.
- Responsible for effective and compliant Radiation Safety and MR Safety programs in collaboration with the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), MR Safety Officer (MRSO) and MRMD.
- Ensures staff practice infection control and universal precautions, proper utilization of reusable medical devices, and are assigned the required TMS training courses applicable to their position.
- Participates in student educational experiences with the department and oversees the coordination of student affiliations with area schools.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
The incumbent works independently, effectively collaborating with stakeholders when needed to ensure mission and goals of the department are met. Many of the incumbents' responsibilities are self-initiated, such as identifying and correcting issues or improving efficiency and effectiveness of the department.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• Must have and maintain a current unrestricted valid drivers license.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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 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).]
  • 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.
• 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), and 7407(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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-12:

Assignment to this grade level is restricted to those serving as the chief radiologic technologist at medical facilities with comprehensive and complex radiographic and imaging programs. Employees in these assignments plan and direct the radiologic technology program at active, affiliated medical centers with critical care and emergent inpatient services, and have full supervisory responsibility for a large staff of subordinate personnel, including GS-10 DRTs, at least one subordinate team leader or supervisor at the next lower grade level, and may include clerical or administrative support staff. At this level, the radiologic technology program typically includes the full variety of comprehensive and complex modalities.

• Experience. At least one year of the following types of experience comparable to the next lower grade level that fully meets the KSAs at that level (GS-11).
• AND
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
  • *Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties, including responsibility for assignment of work performed; performance evaluations; recommendations for appointments, awards, advancements, and, when appropriate, disciplinary actions; and identification of continuing education and training needs.
  • [Ability] to serve as a consultant to other facility personnel in evaluating and planning radiologic technology services for the most complex cases.
  • *Ability to participate in research studies and/or as a consultant to others conducting research.
  • *Ability to consult with staff and resident physicians through patient presentation, attending ward rounds, and specialty clinics and/or conferences, etc.
  • *[Ability] to assess, plan, and evaluate the delivery of radiologic technology services at the facility.

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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.