Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. This announcement is open to current, permanent VA employees. The public and employees of other federal agencies may apply to announcement number CBSY-13061253-26-AA.

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Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Independently determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage), sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the area of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Technologist follows standard operating procedures to perform all radiologic exams. Incumbent possesses the ability to occasionally deviate from standard procedures as necessary to adapt for deformities of body, injuries, and other variable considerations such as age, weight, and physical condition of the patient.
• Maintains effective and efficient work environment in Imaging area by area by coordinating, planning, organizing, and executing the work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the department. Monitors and maximizes efficiency in the number of exams performed without compromising quality standards.
• Independently operates and monitors digital radiography (DR) systems, CT equipment, DXA, PACS and other computer-based equipment (i.e. computer, etc.). Performs reconstructions for CT when requested or as part of a standard protocol.
• Daily assesses any patient limitations (i.e. vent patient, nursing home care, psychiatric, etc.) and is able to modify procedure to meet patient's needs while obtaining images needed for diagnostic interpretation.
• Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist/physician for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as CT scans and cystogram, and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. In the case of injected media, a patient consent form must be obtained, when indicated. The technologist must possess a thorough knowledge of the effects and adverse reactions of contrast materials used in the department and must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions require immediate attention. Incumbent is trained and certified to insert IV catheters for the administration of contrast materials when necessary.
• Routinely assesses patient for contraindications for ordered procedure (i.e. elevated creatinine for IV contrast exam, allergy to contrast media etc.). Possesses knowledge of and skills needed to access patient electronic health record for patient history, notes, and laboratory results.
• Receives and interprets imaging requests as it pertains to correct order for reason for study. Coordinates exams in a manner to optimize performance of exams while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Registers requests, cancels if necessary, and edits (ends) exams via the computer Radiology Information System (RIS).
• Properly identifies patient images using identifiers and Left & Right markers. Identifies patient prior to exam utilizing two factor identification. The technologist must be certain patient identification and the requests are identical.
• Responsible for explaining exams and potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend and understand. Explains any requirements of the patient for an adequate study to be performed. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved by the appropriate use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, collimation, and distance management. Film badges are worn by the technologist to monitor compliance to radiation regulations and guidelines of the state.
• Continually reviews new developments in the field of radiology keeping abreast of technological advances and discusses these with the supervisor for possible improvements to the Imaging department. Incumbent seeks to improve the quality of exams by utilizing new technologies that are available.
• Maintains electronic records of patient studies, and statistical reports. Utilizes current and effective record keeping and tracking mechanisms.
• Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures. Performs minor routine preventative maintenance as required. Recognizes and reports major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to supervisor and/or Biomed service representative. Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment.

Work Schedule: Full-time; 8:30-5:00, includes rotating weekends/holidays and rotating on-call duty
Telework: Not available
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

All requirements must be met by the close date of this announcement, 09/30/2026.

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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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).
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 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).

Grade Determinations:

GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-8, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. These include: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.
AND
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
i. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
iii. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Preferred Experience: Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

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.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.
(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
(4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
(5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current, permanent VA employees of the facility
2. All other VA

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.