Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to Fort Harrison VA Medical Center Employees Only. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Videos

Major Duties Include, but are not limited to:
Computerized Axial Tomography Technologist (CT)

• Applies radiation protection standards and properly shielding techniques for personnel and patients. Adjusts and adapts equipment use or procedures and techniques in the event of mechanical failures and/or software malfunctions. Uses standard troubleshooting techniques to resolve equipment issues.
• Recognizes standard cross-sectional anatomy. Differentiates between normal physiology or variants versus abnormal pathology or anatomical variations. Performs additional scans/images as required to for evaluation by the radiologist.
• Applies basic psychology skills to manage patients in all phases of general diagnostic/CT including critical care, trauma, apprehensive, and disoriented patients. Engages with family members in a positive, respectful manner. Interfaces with all staff members always demonstrating professionalism and mutual respect. Uses critical thinking skills and effective triage to properly manage multiple urgent/STAT exams.
• Performs basic first-aid procedures for seizures, cardiac arrest, anaphylactic shock, and contrast reactions. Initiates and/or participates in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in keeping with Basic Life Support (BLS) training. Performs aseptic and/or sterile procedure fields assisting the radiologist as directed. Performs required decontamination procedures in the event of a contaminated field, room, and/or an isolation patient.
• Determines the need to call for repair and or/maintenance of equipment, enters the required work order, and notifies the Imaging Administrator, Lead Technologist, or designee.
• Apply general diagnostic/CT technical exposure factors and programming. Assess image quality by evaluating density, contrast, distortion/artifacts, and other exposure factors.
• Performs computer functions as related to general diagnostic and CT scanning, disc storage and use, maintenance of workstation computer files, machine warm up and calibration procedures, limited preventive maintenance to general diagnostic/CT scanning unit and computer components for emergency trouble shooting.
• Utilizes the Radiology Information Systems (RIS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) applications. Protects computer data and patient sensitive information from unauthorized users. Protects access codes for any medical center computer programs. Executes basic computer operations including limited programming functions, keyboard inputs, purpose and functions, or computer programs needed to carry out other job duties.
• Maintains current knowledge of new developments in CT and general diagnostic imaging.
• Practices radiation safety and ALARA principles to protect patients, staff, and self. The incumbent adheres to all applicable safety policies and procedures.
• Participates in quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities as directed.
• Properlyidentifiespatientsbyadheringtomedicalcenterpoliciesandselectingcorrectpatient identifiers in the Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS).
• Screens patients in advance for contraindications per CT and/or Diagnostic Imaging policies as applicable. Responsible for explaining the procedure to patient, verifying that the patient understands the exam, and any risks involved with the exam/procedure.
• Schedules exams to optimize throughput while maintaining flexibility to allow for emergency cases. Performs correct prioritization for scheduled patients and accommodates emergency patients requiring immediate care.
• Prepares contrast materials which are used in CT and general diagnostic studies. Continuously monitors the patient's condition for adverse reactions to contrast media. Recognizes patient reactions which require immediate attention to prevent harm to the patient.
• Maintains records/files of exams performed on patients to includes maintenance of the archival library, patient records, requisitions, and documentation of edited patient exams.
• Provides cross-training to selected technologist using instruction, observation, and practical application techniques. Evaluates and validates CT imaging exam competencies for technologists in training.
• Monitors par stock levels of supplies and related material. Restocks supplies from central supply room or contacts appropriate facility office for resupply.
• Performs image reconstruction, archiving, and prints images as required.

Work Schedule: Variable
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 436-60139-A
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 identification 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:

• Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States.
• English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed.
• 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).]
• Grandfather Provision. 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-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.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. At this level, Applicants 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 (*):
  • *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
  • Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
  • *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
  • Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
  • Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
  • Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Preferred Experience: Candidate must have a minimum of five years CT imaging experience.

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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9.

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. There is occasion where response to physical and/or verbal abuse by patients requires knowledge gained from ongoing violence in the workplace training. Working conditions include inside work, constant noise (machinery/equipment), working around hazardous machinery with moving parts, working closely with others.

Fast paced clinical environment with frequent interruptions by phone inquiries, user inquiries, and equipment operations. Work regularly involves extended periods of standing. There is a considerable amount of moving, bending, and carrying moderately heavy items. Transfer and positioning of patients may require considerable effort involving reaching, stretching, and lifting in awkward positions due to respirators, suction machines, and monitors. Special assist lifting devices must be used in accordance with safe patient handling policies.

The environment involves risks associated withdiagnostic imaging and CT scanning services toinclude potential occupational exposure to ionizing radiation within normal hospital settings.Work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks or discomforts typical of clinical areas, offices, and meeting rooms. This requires employees to observe special safety precautions and complete annual training associated with these risks.

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.