Clarification from the agency

This announcement is only open to Current permanent employees of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center and its outreach facilities including CBOC 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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VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Major Duties Include:
Patient Care
Greets and verifies patient identification using two identifiers in accordance with facility policies. Explains CT procedures in a clear, compassionate manner, addressing questions and alleviating anxiety. Verifies patient history, allergies, and any contraindications for intravenous contrast administration to ensure safety during the scan. Provides individualized care for all patients, including those with physical or emotional limitations, adapting CT protocols and positioning techniques to achieve high-quality diagnostic images while maintaining patient comfort and safety. Monitors patients through the exam, observing for signs of distress or adverse reactions to contrast media, and responds promptly and appropriately to ensure patient well-being.

Equipment Operation and Quality Control
Operates CT equipment (scanner, power injectors, patient monitoring devices, and post-processing software) while adhering to established protocols and safety standards in accordance with VHA and facility CT Directives. Performs daily, weekly, and annual equipment quality control tests - such as phantom scans, calibration checks, and dose accuracy verification - and documents results in compliance with regulatory and facility requirements. Identifies and reports any equipment malfunctions or irregularities immediately to appropriate personnel, as well as any safety concerns that may arise during operation. Ensures that supplies, accessories, and the CT work area are clean, organized and adequately stocked to maintain workflow efficiency and patient safety.

Diagnostic Imaging Procedures
Performs a variety of CT procedures on a daily basis, including neuro, musculoskeletal, abdominal, chest, and vascular studies. Adjusts CT protocols based on patient anatomy, clinical indications and radiologist requirements to ensure optimal diagnostic quality. Initiates intravenous access for administration of iodinated contrast media in accordance with department policy and safety standards. Performs advanced post-processing of CT data, including multiplanar reconstructions, (MPR), 3D volume rendering and other specialized techniques to enhance image interpretation. Accurate enters, edits, and verifies patient information and imaging data in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and PACS systems. Reviews patient charges for accuracy and initiate or modifies additional charges as necessary. Assists in training and mentoring students and new staff in CT techniques and departmental protocols when required.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm
Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 09053F
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: 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, 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: Applicants must have 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).

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:
GS-10 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Lead)
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 described at that level.

Functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs [at the GS-9 level and below]. Provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

• Ability to provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work.
• Ability to resolve informal employee complaints.
• Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.

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-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10

Physical Requirements: The technologist may be required to assist in moving and positing 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 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.