Clarification from the agency

All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

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Duties:

The PACS Assistant DRT will provide professional care 100% of the time within the specialized assignment. This position is expected to be fully flexible in support of the needs of the facility and assignments may include both regular tour and off-tour responsibilities in providing routine and non-routine clinical care.

The duties and responsibilities of the PACS Assistant DRT include but are not limited to the following:
- Provides support and troubleshoot system applications and hardware issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems.
- Coordinates a variety of technical processes that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative to effectively diagnose patients by using a wide variety of complex image storage systems.
- Performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control.
- Evaluates and adapts quality management procedures and processes as needed.
- Demonstrates understanding of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to department operations, including database security. Maintains accurate records, as required by management for quality assurance and quality control purposes in respective modality.
- Initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors.
- Understands specific regulatory processes, VA standards regarding radiology quality assurance and other technical functions.
- Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality.
- Provides training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system.
- Reviews medical records, interviews patients and communicates with onsite or offsite Radiologist(s) to determine medical appropriateness of requested examination.
- Prepares the processed media for review by a Radiologist and/or Medical Provider and assures images are properly identified with patient demographics and verify the archiving on the Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS).
- Perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation using their knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures.
- Obtains other pertinent diagnostic examinations (CT, MRI, X-Rays, IR, etc.) for the Radiologist which may be necessary for correlation between the performed exam and the clinical history.
- Provides additional images, when deemed necessary to ensure adequate information for unexpected findings.
- Identifies patient properly through the Radiology Information System (RIS) interface identifier. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. This is done by verifying each patient verbally using two unique identifiers.
- Cleans and maintains equipment in the manner outlined in their device specifications, the Reusable Medical Equipment Policy and/or according to specific Standard Operating Procedures located in designated cleaning areas and electronic files.
- Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients, including patient electronic records, exam requisitions, registering and/or editing of patient exams in the RIS and the sending/retrieving of images in the PACS as needed.
- Maintains awareness and practice of the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participates in quality assurance activities as directed.
- Complete TMS and ARRT Advance Certification training and certification maintenance as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 07:30am to 4:00pm, With alternating call.
Telework: Ad-hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 08572F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM
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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 evaluation.
• 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: Citizen of the United States. (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 complete 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.

Physical Requirements. Must successfully complete all Pre-Placement Physical requirements in accordance with VA regulations and policy. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 USC 7402(d) and 38 USC 7407(d).

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).

Creditable Experience

(1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. 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 radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non- paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.

(2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.

(3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:

GS-10 Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist:

(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

(2) 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. Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist - Provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems. The technologist performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. The technologist coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtime and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. The technologist provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware. The technologist provides training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems. The technologist provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reportingsystems, etc. The incumbent may function as a DRT which may include complex modalities such as CT, MR, mammography, ultrasound, and/or IR. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

i.Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems.

ii.Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control.

iii. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors.

iv. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality.

v. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system.

vi. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation.

Preferred Experience:
-Experience with Change PACS and Power Scribe.
-Ability to provide technical assistance to radiologists and other healthcare professionals regarding PACS functionalities.
-Demonstrates initiative to troubleshoot radiologist, ordering provider and technologist support during malfunctions, downtime, with a clear understanding of equipment functionality and how to solve problems using independent thinking.
-Ability to work collaboratively with biomedical maintenance on software and hardware issues.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 dated 12/2019

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy items such as cassettes, film, and containers of film processing chemicals.

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.

Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement during FY26.