Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current permanent employees of the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System ONLY. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

Videos

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWMTotal-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested.
• Make independent determinations and take appropriate corrective actions, including contacting the Referring Physician, Nurse Manager etc. including radiologist.
• Interview the patient to obtain additional clinical information.
• Verifies the patient's identity using the JCAHO recommended method.
• Verifies the patient's demographic information to be sure it is correct and compatible with the DICOM format that is needed to validate patient and exam information, so it can be viewed on PACS and electronically stored in the archive system.
• Be part of a Moderate Sedation team, when patients require sedation.
• Use a wide variety of computerized equipment such as Direct Digital Radiography (DR), Angiographic equipment, Digital Fluoroscopy, Computer Acquisition and port-processing workstations, PACS viewing stations, Xero Viewer desk top viewing software, and hospital computer systems such as VISTA, CPRS, and EHR.
• Be fully competent in the use of all computerized equipment in the Diagnostic section as well as the Interventional Radiology unit. Must make continuous assessments of the image quality and equipment performance for optimum image quality.
• Be able to work in a surgical type of environment where a sterile field must be maintained.
• Maintain the assigned room with proper medical and Emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care and efficiency.
• Work in all areas within the Diagnostic Area and outside of the department such as portable x-rays and portable fluoroscopic exams.
• Responsible for performing inventory in both the IR section and Fluoroscopy section following the IR Inventory SOP and reporting any discrepancies to their Supervisor immediately. This includes checking the expiration dates on all items used in Interventional, marking them as stated in the SOP, and prior to handing the item off to another department for use.
• Maintain all record keeping that is required and takes an active role in the hospital and Radiology QM and safety programs.

Work Schedule: Irregular tour position (Weekends/Evenings/Nights)
Compressed/Flexible:Service line discretion
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

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.
• 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.
• 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).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements.GS-9 Diagnostics Radiologic Technologist Experience:

Applicants must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience at the next lower grade level includes, but is not limited to:

• Checking system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Calibrating parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
• Monitoring patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
• 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.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate these Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's):

1. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.
2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
3. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.
4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.
5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.
6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Assignment. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level.

Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.

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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist's work requires long periods of standing and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing/ pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices provided by the Radiology Section. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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.