Clarification from the agency

Veterans' Preference applies for this occupational series. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit https://www.opm.gov/fedshirevets/. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures.
• Reviews pre-procedure work-up and when necessary, conducts the imaging exam, ensuring adherence to radiation safety techniques.
• Determines technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment with the capability of conduction imaging procedures such as fluoroscopic exams and invasive procedures.
• Performs image analysis and guidance to ensure successful needle placement via supporting modalities.
• Assists radiologist and/or nursing with monitoring and administering IVtherapy.
• Assists radiologist with sedation medications, vital signs, ECG monitoring of patients receiving moderate sedation.
• Observes and assesses patients who have received moderate sedation.
• Capable of performing and documenting radiology focused physical examination with analysis of data and report findings to supervising radiologist or another physician.
• Knowledgeable and proficient in protocolling and advising on radiology orders.
• Able to assess lab values and contraindications to procedures.
• Writes patient discharge summaries for review and co-signature byradiologist.
• Administers contrast and general medications prescribed by the radiologist as defined by local policy.
• Confirms patient identity by using two approved patient identifiers. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential to prevent mistaken identity of patient images.
• Performs time out as required prior to procedure start.
• Works with pathology to successfully obtain samples.
• Provides special instructions/patient education to follow-up exam.
• Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies. Practices sterile technique for all invasive procedures. Follows procedures for the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and all items classified as sharps, proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.
• Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures.
• Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures.
• Provides educational training for technical staff.
• Assists with accreditation and compliance.
• Consistently communicates with and treats customers in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 08:00am-04:30pm
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 82645F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized - As determined by Facility/Agency

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.
• 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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Education: Completion of a Radiologist Assistant program, and a bachelor's degree approved by the ARRT. Foreign education is vetted and approved by ARRT as a pre- requisite for certification. No additional documentation or verification of foreign education is required for applicants fully certified by ARRT.
• Credentialing Standards-Certification: 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 C.F.R. Part 75 - Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Applicants 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 Department of Education, and be certified as radiographer (RT). Except as noted below, applicants must also have passed the ARRT exam and obtained Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA) certification.

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

Registered Radiologist Assistant, GS-11

• Experience: At least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Examples of experience include but are not limited to: operating and monitoring equipment, such as Fluoroscopy and CT, to perform procedures under general supervision as limited by modality specific advanced certification; perform complex invasive and non-invasive procedures utilizing the various modalities in Imaging; skills in assessing patient vital signs, responding to emergent situations, and entering documentation in the EHR.

In addition to above the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Ability to perform complex invasive procedures in the Interventional Section under the direct supervision of the radiologist or other supervising physician.
2. Skills to maintain image quality in multiple sections of radiology.
3. Ability to function with initiative and progressively independent judgment within his/her sphere of responsibility.
4. Advanced knowledge to prioritize exams and procedures.

Creditable Experience: To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologist assistant practices. The experience may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as an RRA, as defined by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Quality of Experience: Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completing an ARRT approved radiologist assistant program with a minimum of a Bachelor's degree. The experience may be acquired under a temporary appointment while seeking ARRT RRA certification.

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

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: 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 a lead apron for possibly 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.