Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens. 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 primary purpose of this position is to provide technical leadership and expertise in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a specialty modality in the Imaging Department. The incumbent will perform all routine and moderately complex MRI exams independently within the MRI section of the Imaging Department under the general direction of the Chief of Imaging.

The primary duties of this position will be conducted at the FHCC facility in the MRI department, including managing patient imaging and administrative work that is related to MRI patient care/studies, utilizing the MRI equipment, EHRM, PACS and being an active participant in the design and implementation of new methods in Imaging department. On occasion, the incumbent may be required to provide MRI coverage for on call and after hour shifts.

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head, neck, spine, chest and body. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 12:30pm-9:00pm
Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized
Telework: Not Authorized
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.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

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

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:

• US 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: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R).
• ADVANCED CERTIFICATION: Advanced ARRT certification is required for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)
• 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 schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

GS-9 GRADE REQUIRMENTS:
Experience: Must have at least 1 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 are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. Examples of specialized experience are: Knowledge of super conducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. Educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors and equipment enter into. Specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. Specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged.

GS-9 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:
1) Ability to balance the needs of the patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
2) Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather 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 skills, and universal precautions.
6) Knowledgeable in pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

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).

Preferred Experience: Prefer 1 year DRT experience, not required. ARRT (MRI) Certification.

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

Physical Requirements: The employee works and functions in the medical center in a safe manner, including infection control and the correct operation of equipment.

The technologist may be required to assist in moving and positioning patients, some of whom may be disabled or combative, requiring the use of safe patient handling techniques. The position requires reaching, bending, and lifting up to 45 pounds. The technologist is required to meet MRI safety standards to be able to access Zone 4 for positioning and assisting the patients when necessary. The work environment may involve exposure to communicable diseases, ionizing radiation, and emotionally distressing patient situations.

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.