Clarification from the agency

Open to Current Permanent VA Employees of the James A. Haley VA Medical Center Only. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

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The Supervisory DRT functions as the supervisor for all technologists assigned to the MRI Section of the Imaging Department within the James A. Haley VA Medical Center. The Supervisor provides daily direction and assistance to ensure optimal patient care, quality control, and the efficient and economical performance of all activities.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• The Supervisory DRT is given general guidelines and directions from the Chief Technologist and is expected to function with initiative and independent judgment in his or her sphere of responsibilities.
• The Supervisory DRT collaborates with the Chief Technologist and Radiology Administrator in formulating and implementing administrative and operational policies and procedures for Diagnostic Radiology. Responsibilities include personnel, departmental space, budget, equipment, construction, equipment upgrades, and oversight of the Continuing Education Program for technical personnel within the section.
• The Supervisory DRT must have a good working knowledge of the appointment and scheduling system in VistA. The Supervisory DRT ensures compliance with VHA directives and regulations concerning scheduling and canceling appointments and ensures that all national policy requirements are met.
• The Supervisory DRT assists in preparing Capital Investment Proposals by gathering and providing data to the Chief Technologist. The Supervisory DRT will assist the Chief Technologist with the development, interpretation, and application of service policy, budget, and long-range plans.
• The Supervisory DRT has a role in designing long-range plans for the department, including, but not limited to, construction, new equipment, recruitment of personnel, as well as objectives of future needs of the Radiology Service.
• The Supervisory DRT is responsible for the maintenance and coordination of repairs for all Medical Imaging / Non-Imaging equipment in areas assigned under their supervision. This includes testing, maintenance, troubleshooting malfunctions, and when possible, making minor repairs and/or contacting appropriate repair personnel.
• The Supervisory DRT works with the Chief Technologist to develop administrative and operational plans necessary to meet challenges, deadlines, priorities, and productivity goals and to improve workflow. Plans are based on the analysis of factors such as staffing, equipment utilization, workload, available examination facilities, and personnel required for various examinations. The Supervisory DRT also ensures appropriate controls and records are maintained and coordinates activities with other professional services.
• The Supervisory DRT assures the MRI section has appropriate coverage. Works with the Chief Technologist to ensure fair and equitable participation in disaster response teams. Additionally, the Supervisor assures appropriate staffing levels to mitigate the potential for any negative impacts to Veteran access.
• The Supervisory DRT is required to provide instruction and solutions to difficult problems that arise in the section. Must be able to facilitate expeditious flow of productivity in all sections.
• The Supervisory DRT is responsible for maintaining the section assigned in accordance with standards established by the Chief Technologist, Radiology Administrator, Chief of Radiology Service, and the Veterans Administration.
• The Supervisory DRT serves on medical center committees, such as: Administrative Investigation Boards, Stroke Initiative, Capital Asset Planning, Performance Improvement Initiatives, National Workgroups, etc. as coordinated and assigned by the Chief Technologist.
• The Supervisory DRT keeps current on all Joint Commission educational policies, and under the direction of the Chief Technologist oversees the Radiology Service's Continuing Education Program for the section(s) under his/her purview, including all Technologist Competency folders.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00AM - 3:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 70443F
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:

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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.

Certification-Documentation Submitted. 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).

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).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.]

Grade Determinations:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-11: 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 a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, Picture Archival Communication System (PACS) Technologist, clinical program director], or an assistant chief radiologic technologist.

Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees in this assignment assume full administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the radiologic technology program at a medical center or independent outpatient clinic that does not meet the level of complexity described at the GS-12 level for a chief radiologic technologist and has significant supervisory responsibility for staff.

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 develop and initiate new imaging services that apply current research findings.
2. Ability to participate as an instructor in the facility's in-service clinical training findings.
3. Ability to to interview and evaluate candidates for positions in the section and recommend appointments, advancements, or, when appropriate, disciplinary actions.
4. Ability to evaluate performance, identify continuing education and training needs, etc.
5. *Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient section operation.
6. Skill in participating in organizational facility initiatives, workgroups, and/or committees.
7. Ability to draft and/or recommend organizational policies and/or directives.

Preferred Experience: Over 5 years of experience as a MRI Technologist, Over 1 year experience as Lead MRI Technologist.

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 11.

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; the 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 long periods.

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.