Clarification from the agency

Open to the public. In accordance with Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages dated 10/01/2024, Veteran's Preference will not be applied to this occupation. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026. Eligible applications will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

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The incumbent's principal responsibilities are to perform lnterventional, vascular and diagnostic radiology procedures. The incumbent will also perform studies in general radiology.

• Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities i.e. renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as IR fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. Such procedures may be performed in the operating room in lieu of the interventional radiology suite. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic or therapeutic studies of the vascular systems.
• The technologist performs angiography, venograms, myelograms, percutaneous nephrostomy, tumor ablation, vertebroplasty, pain management procedures and other special/interventional procedures. Also, perform vascular procedures in the OR, operate C-Arm, portables, CR, DR radiography, portables and various diagnostic procedures.
• Performs myelography of the complete spine utilizing conventional x-ray units, patient immobilizers, etc., when required. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal.
• Performs microangiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal.
• Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires "scrub-in technique," preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, clean-up trays, etc ., after exam is completed. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of steri le supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.
• Works with the vascular surgeon and radiologist as a member of the medical team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the vascular surgeon and/or radiologists and the performance of the exam . Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition, sterile field , catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc.
• Prepares contrast materials. These contrast materials are used in the exams performed in the special procedure area and the technologist must know the effects and reactions to the contrast. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material use is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously 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 or equipment.
• 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, A LARA and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technicians in compliance with radiation regulations. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technician must ID the patient by full social security number and entire name in accordance of hospital policy.
• Responsible for the intravenous injection of contrast media and operating power injector.
• Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby or on call, 24hours per day/7 days a week, coverage may be required to perform vascular exams in the OR.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm plus with rotating and on call.
Telework: Not authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 50625-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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

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.]
• 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).]
• Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).
• BLS certification required

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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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.

Experience- At least two years of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

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:

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

1. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering 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 methods and techniques and universal precautions.
6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Preferred Experience: It is preferred that the Interventional Radiology Technologist have a minimum of one year experience in the IR Hybrid Surgical Equipment suite, and one year of experience in vascular interventional radiology, and/or one year experience in Interventional Technology. It is preferred that the Interventional Radiology (IR) technologist have one year of experience performing diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures.

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-9.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

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.