Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. This position is open to VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Employees, VA Employees Nationwide, and all other Federal Employees. ***If you are NOT A current federal employee, please apply to vacancy CBSU-13102688-27-LF open to the public. ***

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VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

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Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to:

• Shall perform routine diagnostic radiographic examinations of the head, cervical/thoracic/lumbar spines, abdomen and extremities in the General Radiology department.
• Employee independently performs special and more complex procedures to include long bone surveys and scoliosis studies.
• Consult with radiologists for determination of non-standard exams; determines technical factors, positioning, and sets the equipment to obtain quality radiographic images.
• Perform radiograph exams utilizing standard protocols and ensuring review of medical history to ensure appropriate exams are achieved.
• Explain exams and/or procedures to the patient in a way that can be understood.
• Properly record pertinent information from the patient to assist the radiologist's dictation.
• Correctly identify patient images and anatomical markers to avoid mistaken identity or incorrect dictations.
• Ensures all images going into PACS have the correct accession number for radiologist interpretation
• Registers, requests, cancels, and edits exams through various computer programs including but not limited to: VISTA, VISTA Imaging, CPRS.
• Practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self by following the principles of ALARA.
• Screens all child-bearing age patients (12-55 years old) if they are or think they may be pregnant.
• Ensures film badge(s) are properly worn when performing radiographic examinations.
• Properly uses radiographic equipment to obtain the highest image quality possible.
• Troubleshoots problems and reports them to their supervisor and the correct authority to fix (i.e. PACS Administrator, Maximo requests, OIT requests). Will liaise directly with other services to troubleshoot.
• Inspects radiographic equipment, performs daily warm up procedures, and conducts Quality Control (QC) tests to ensure equipment is functioning properly.
• Performs more advanced PACS procedures using various applications to ensure proper handling of image storge and dissemination to various customers to include but not limited to patients, providers, and other facilities.
• Following Release of Information (ROI) and HIPAA guidelines, incumbent shall follow procedures to burn exams onto a computer disc (CD) or send images through approved electronic image-sharing platform.
• Following ROI and HIPAA guidelines, properly labels envelopes and CD mailers to ensure proper handling and delivery to veterans.
• DRT shall ensure department security is upheld; physical security includes locking doors when applicable and security of patient information to prevent HIPAA violations.
• DRT maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed.
• Assist with radiology student preceptor duties and sign-off on completed exams.
• Utilizes proper housekeeping of all exposure rooms; removes clutter, stores peripheral components of the radiographic machine properly, and maintains a high level of cleanliness by using the approved solutions/wipes per manufacturer and facility guidelines.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday. Specific work hours will be determined upon selection.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 554-61195-0, 554-61196-0, 554-61197-0, 554-61198-0
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. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following:

• Citizenship. Be a 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, 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).
• 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.
• Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

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

Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-5

• Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6

• Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging.

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

1. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
3. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
4. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
5. Ability to learn basic computer functions.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7

• Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled.

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

1. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
2. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
3. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
4. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
5. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8

• Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

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

1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

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).

Preferred Experience: Candidates must hold AART (R) certification. General Radiology experience of 2 or more years preferred.

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include heavy lifting of 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying of 15-44pounds, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required), prolonged walking, prolonged standing, repeated bending, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, 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.