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.

Videos

Functions:
a) Performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head, neck spine, chest and body, while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials.
b) Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS).
c) Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing MRI exams. The technologist is qualified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. The technologist must know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials. Improper use or administration of contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality; therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment.
d) Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce quality diagnostic MRI exams. Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus.
e) Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions by Imaging Service policy. Explain examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients, so they are thoroughly understood and the hazards, if any are possible. May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
f) The technologist will confirm completion of patient safety screening, confirm responses and initial patient screening forms. Confirm completion and documents on the spot Level II Safety Training of non-imaging personnel entering the MRI suite. Maintains control of/ restricting access to MRI Level 4. Participate in MRI quarterly Fire drills and Cardiac arrest drills,
reinforcing technologists' role in removing patients from magnet and transferring them to corridor for assistance by non-imaging personnel
g) Properly identifies patients 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.
h) Accurately utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the Radiologist.
i) Maintains a low repeat rate of examinations, per rating period, due to technical factors within the technologist's control, such as utilization of imaging equipment, positioning, incomplete imaging of anatomy, failure to follow protocol, unacceptable for interpretation because of wrong technique / positioning.
j) Develops, implements, and enforces MRI department policy and procedures, including MRI safety.
k) Responsible for stocking and inventory of all MRI and general imaging supplies and related material.
l) Reviews new developments in MRI and general imaging and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of examinations utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide physicians and patients with the best possible imaging for diagnostic purposes.
m) The technologist performs all Quality Control tests required by equipment manufacturers, Joint Commission, and the MRSO documenting them appropriately and reporting any abnormality or malfunction to the supervisor, Biomedical Engineering, or MRSO.
n) Additional duties as necessary within the scope of practice for DRT- MRI.

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 (MR), 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.