Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This Announcement is open to current, permanent federal employees of VA Northern Arizona Health Care System ONLY.

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Major duties include, but are not limited to;

MRI Technologist:
1.Technologists meet the education requirements set forth in facility guidelines, including BLS certification.
2. Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain high-quality examinations utilizing standardized Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). Includes but not limited to 1.5 Siemens Avanto MRI system.
3. Works under the supervision of the Radiology Manager/Supervisor/Lead and rotates responsibilities within MRI services.
4. Possesses knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology, including normal and diseased states.
5. Performs all aspects of MRI for the spine, head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities, using specialized sequences to visualize anatomy and pathology.
6. Conducts MR angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities, including renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, and femoral vessels, utilizing pressure injectors and 3D reconstruction software.
7. Maintains competence in venipuncture, following Radiology Service facility protocols and policies.
8. Prepares and administers contrast materials for MRI and MR angiography under the direction of a radiologist.
9. Maintains competence and knowledge of MRI safety, policies, and procedures, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations.
10. Maintains knowledge of all department and MRI section policies, acknowledging receipt and understanding of updates.
11. Reviews and interprets all MRI requests for accuracy and appropriateness, verifies screening information, and documents correctly into CPRS and RIS systems.
12. Performs imaging studies within established guidelines for STAT, pre-op, urgent, and routine exams.
13. Independently performs and completes inpatient and outpatient MRI exams, coordinates physician-directed studies, and ensures timely diagnosis and treatment by optimizing exam room effectiveness.
14. Works with staff and scheduler to balance daily workload, prioritize scheduled patients, and accommodate emergency cases.
15. Applies infection control practices and follows hospital safety policies, including sterile technique, sharps disposal, hand hygiene, and proper equipment operation.
16. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals, monitors expiration dates, and notifies supervisor of low stock.
17. Uses independent judgment in adjusting protocols for patient conditions, determines technical factors, and consults radiologists as needed for non-standard exams.
18. Ensures proper patient identification and documentation for all scans, including markers, contrast, positioning, and areas of interest.
19. Performs quality assurance, minor equipment adjustments, and reports malfunctions promptly.
20. Utilizes protective equipment, adheres to radiation safety guidelines, and follows ALARA principles when applicable.
21. Participates in facility quality assurance and adheres to all safety and VHA directives.
22. Maintains competency and knowledge of procedures for cleaning and sterilizing Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) per SOPs.
23. Complies with all fire and safety regulations, promptly reporting hazards and participating in safety drills and training.
24. Completes and maintains employee competency requirements and documentation according to Medical Center guidelines.
25. Stays current with new developments in MRI to maintain high-quality exams.
26. Maintains electronic records of patient exams, ensuring all images and documentation are entered into PACS accurately.
27. Uses word processing, Microsoft Outlook, CPRS/VistA, and PACS for electronic recordkeeping and communication.
MRSO:
28. Develops and enforces safe working procedures for the MR environment in coordination with the MRMD.
29. Ensures accessibility for operators and consistent enforcement of MR safety policies.
30. Provides written safety and emergency procedures in collaboration with MRMD and MR Safety Expert (MRSE).
31. Manages MR-related risks and implements hazard reduction measures for staff and patients.
32. Collaborates on MR protocol optimization for safety.
33. Leads MR safety risk assessments, incident investigations, and root cause analyses.
34. Participates in MR safety committees and educational initiatives.
35. Oversees MR safety audits, QA/QC, and quality assurance programs.
36. Conducts ongoing MR safety training for all involved personnel.
37. Advises on MR equipment selection, purchase, and installation to ensure compliance with safety standards.
38. Assists in staffing policy development to mitigate hazardous or stressful conditions.


Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:00AM -3:30PM
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
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 identification 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.

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:

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States.
• 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.]
• 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)

Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), [ ] magnetic resonance imaging (MR), [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)], quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor.]

Grade Determinations:
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-[Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO), GS-10

MR Safety Officer (MRSO). This special assignment requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy and the magnetic effect on non-removable devices. Technologists operating as an MRSO work to support and maintain an MR safety program. Duties of the position include management of an effective screening program, development of MRI-safe scan protocols, and training of MR and Non-MR staff on MR safe practices.

(1) 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.
(2) 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:
(a) [Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO). Employees who are qualified to work in the MRI modality (advanced certification) have expert specialization at this grade level. The MRSO operates with full responsibility for training, developing, and directing the MR safety program. Duties may include coordination of MR safety committee meetings, evaluation of hospital equipment to ensure MR safe operation, and oversight of employee and patient MR screening programs. Coordinates training of hospital staff and ensures maintenance of educational documentation. MRSO certification is highly desirable for this level of complexity. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
i. Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area.
ii. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones.
iii. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issued and enforced.
iv. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards.
v. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety.

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


Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a health care setting. Work may involve exposure to infection and possible contagious diseases. Standard precautions and isolation techniques will be employed as indicated. Working conditions include: outside and inside work, exposure to radiation energy, constant noise (machinery/equipment), working around hazardous machinery with moving parts, working closely with others.

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.