Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Open to current, VA Employees.

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The Assistant Chief Technologist is responsible for monitoring appropriate utilization of existing resources (i.e. FTE) and has oversight responsibility for the allocation and management of resources. The ACT must act on his/her own initiative when conducting studies of problem areas involving internal and external customers, analyzing workload trends, and evaluating overall effectiveness of service performance goals and objectives. The ACT is responsible for facilitating timely resolution of administrative, quality and/or patient/staff safety issues. Applies specialized knowledge of health care management to the planning, organization, and evaluation of the delivery of diagnostic Radiology services.

As a member of leadership, the Assistant Chief Technologist has supervisory responsibility and oversight of Advanced Medical Support Assistants and Supervisory DRTs, of the service to ensure the Chief may devote his time to the clinical and academic aspects of this active affiliated Medical Center.

• She/he analyzes problems that are unique to the VA System with its broad program missions, complex administrative management challenges, rapid fluctuation in various program priorities and requirements, and the many conflicts between program requirements and available resources.
• She/he must have extensive knowledge of the various programs within the VA System locally and nationwide to make evaluations and recommendations so as not to adversely affect long-term patient care.
• Advises employees of the performance requirements of their positions, keeps them informed of their progress in meeting the requirements, and prepares formal evaluations of employee performance.
• Assists the Chief Technologist to coordinate and manage aspects of radiology and imaging services to achieve optimal utililization of the available resources to include scheduling, funding, space, equipment, and support purchases.
• Managerial duties and responsibilities have a direct and substantial effect on the operation of the Radiology Service and throughout the Medical Center.
• Maintains and improves systems of delivering health care by developing programs and policies, improving utilization of resources, designing and 1 overseeing needed changes and being a catalyst for the many clinical programs in the Radiology Service.
• Assists the Chief Technologist with responsibility for the technical aspect of radiologic equipment operation and safety and for carrying out the recommendations of the Radiation Safety Committee
• Participates in the evaluation and recommendation of equipment purchase
• Participates in quality performance/improvement activities and ensures compliance with JCAHO requirements for activities under his/her area of responsibility
• Incumbent will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule:Monday-Friday 0800-1630 or 0830-1700 with rotating On Call duties
Telework: Not telework approved
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
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.
• 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).] NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
  • 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.

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:

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 needed to provide services as an assistant chief radiologic technologist. This assignment is restricted to employees serving as a full assistant chief to a GS-12 chief radiologic technologist. Specialized experience includes but not limited to the following: Technologist evaluates new products and equipment, making recommendations to supervisor concerning upgrades/new purchases that would improve operations. The technologist informs higher level management of anticipated staffing variances and informally recommends promotions, reassignments, or other personnel changes such as retention or release of probationary employees, and recognition of superior performance in the diagnostic radiologic area. The technologist directs the development and implementation of services and treatment to patients through the supervision, mentoring, and oversight of assigned clinical staff. Experience must demonstrate practice skills in a specialty area or in administration demonstrating progressively more professional competency and judgment. Individuals in this assignment share full responsibility for managing the radiologic technology section.
Individuals in this assignment share full responsibility for managing the radiologic technology section. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

• Knowledge of overall radiology department operations, and the ability to judge effectiveness of the operation.
• *Ability to monitor and evaluate subordinate supervisor's performance.
• *Ability to formulate plans, delegate authority, and follow-up on delegated tasks.
• Knowledge of new and recent developments in the field.

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

Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work includes heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing lead apron for long periods of time.

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.