Clarification from the agency

Area of Consideration: Current, permanent employees of the Madison VA Medical Center, including CBOCs and VCS employees. 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 DRT will provide professional care 100% of the time within the specialized assignment. This position is expected to be fully flexible in support of the needs of the facility and assignments may include both regular tour and off-tour responsibilities in providing routine and non-routine clinical care. The duties and responsibilities of the DRT are listed below beginning at GS 05 level to GS 10 level. They include but are not limited to the following:

Duties:

• Understands basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
• Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams.
• Reviews and evaluates anatomy, positioning and all patient safety procedures regarding the modality in which they are assigned to.
• Reviews the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
• Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams.
• Explain and differentiate contrast material required for the requested exam.
• Checks imaging systems for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
• Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams.
• Monitors the patient for any physiologic changes during the procedure while keeping the radiologist informed.
• Balances the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
• Ability to perform basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
• Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams.
• Implements radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring and genetic changes.
• Coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex imaging exams.
• Possesses knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (such as CT, MRI, IR) studies.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) 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 technologist 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.]

Work Schedule: Full time, Monday to Friday; Hours TBD with alternating call.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description Title/PD#: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI/PD08551F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

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.
• May Serve a probationary period.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 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

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.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

GS-05; Basic Requirements: None beyond the basic requirements. See below.

• 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: As a basic requirement, you 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.] (Documentation must be provided)

Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's 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)? Applicants must submit a copy of transcripts.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

GS-6 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-5) grade level. Experience includes performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature; explaining exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards; troubleshooting equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment; reporting major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives, and assisting higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations. In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure; Knowledge of anatomy and positioning; Knowledge of all patient safety procedures; Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment; Ability to learn basic computer functions.

GS- 7 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-6) grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience includes performing a substantially full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system; Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study; Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam. limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures; Knowledge of the function of computed radiography, Phosphor cassettes and CR readers; Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills.

GS-8 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-7) grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience includes providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

GS-09 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-08) grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level? Experience consists of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures; Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers; Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure; Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography; Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

GS-10 LEVEL: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-09) grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience consist of one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. In addition, can you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

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.