Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This position's area of consideration (AOC), is only for current, full time, employees of Portland HCS's Imaging Department.

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General Description: DRT (CT) Advanced Practice
The incumbent of this position works in the CT modality and requires specific knowledge in routine diagnostic radiography, including portable radiography, fluoroscopy, and operating room imaging. In addition, this specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in computed tomography, inclusive of post processing applications and including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems to be imaged; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and relationship of various organs; to utilize the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor; to understand the various stages of the examination in order to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use; to emphasize important aspects of the exams of particular interest to the physician.

Functions:

• Prioritizes exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate intervention. Coordinates patient preparation and transportation, if needed, for urgent and routine patients.
• Confers with radiologists/residents to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number, and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Advises radiologists/residents or referring physicians of examination completion. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention.
• Utilizes highly sophisticated equipment such as computerized tomography scanners, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. taking education, training, and available resources into account for appropriate usage.
• Performs all studies presented in the CT Department. This includes but is not limited to routine and specialty neuro, chest, body, musculoskeletal, and CTA imaging as well as interventional/specialty procedures (i.e. biopsies, aspirations, injections, bladder and rectal contrast administration, etc.).
• Works with the radiologist/resident as a member of the radiology team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists in the performance of exams, to include recommending appropriate contrast materials in order to achieve optimal diagnostic results. Must be continuously on alert for the patient's condition, the sterile field, and the supplies needed for each specific examination. The alertness of the technologist is
  essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technical factor corrections, etc.
• Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques for biopsies or aspiration of fluid of the anatomical region indicated. Adheres to hospital and department infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials runs the risk of patient mortality. Therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, the technologist must be continuously on alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient.
• Performs venipuncture for administration of contrast material when necessary, adhering to hospital and department policies and procedures related to this task.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls, and proper scan setup to keep the patient's radiation dose ALARA. Dosimeters are worn by the radiographer to ensure compliance to radiation protection regulations and guidelines.
• Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. MPR, MIP, and 3D reconstructions are utilized to achieve optimal information for a proper diagnosis.
• Properly identifies patient with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAPORHCS policy; confirms identity on order, and properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur.
• Performs additional duties as assigned within the scope of practice for CT.

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 0730-1600
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 0000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• 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

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:

• 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.]
  • DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.
• 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).]
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT), GS-9

• 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.
• Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
  • i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
  • ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
  • iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
  • iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
  • v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
  • vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients

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

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute

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.