Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

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This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position is in Diagnostic Imaging Service at the VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton and West Roxbury, MA campuses. This position is Full time at 40 hours per week. The technologist functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. and at times this technologist is expected to work alone. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include involving more complex procedures. The exams are performed in the department, operating room and at the bedside. They include but are not limited to bone and joint imaging, fluoroscopic procedures and portable examinations. Other duties for this position include but are not limited to:

• Receives Requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical house officer. Prioritizes requisitions as to room availability, stat calls from intensive care units, emergency room and operating room.
• Performs procedures in the main and outpatient departments such as: GI Suite: Cholangiography, UGI, Barium Enema, ERCP's, diaphragmatic stability fluoroscopy, myelography, arthrography and lumbar puncture.
• Routine Radiology including skull, spine, chest, torso, extremity imaging
• Operating Room Radiography: GU Studies; Orthopedic imaging - hips, knees, extremities; Fluoroscopy guided procedures: stent grafts, pacer placement, porta-cath and tunnel lines
• Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures and positions patients for desired results, cushions and shields patients as appropriate.
• Captures computerized radiographs, applies algorithm, and configures the image and verified patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system (PACS).
• Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage and milliamperage), sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm; however weekends, holidays and on call are also required. 2 days a week at the West Roxbury, MA Campus and 3 days at Brockton, MA Campus.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Compressed/Flexible:Not available.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized.
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized.
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Chapman karen.chapman@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Functional Statement #: F08817, F08814, F08813, F08812
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)

NOTIFICATIONS:

• This position is in the Excepted Service
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held
• This position is covered by a special rate
• Selectee may be required to work at any VA Boston Healthcare System campus and CBOCs as needed.
• Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
• Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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 medical 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:

• 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. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammograph (M) duties performed independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination.
• Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates: Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment
• Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology.
• 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. 3 (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.

Grade Determinations:GS-5 DRT (Entry Level)

• Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-6 DRT (Developmental Level)

• 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.

AND

• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate 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.

GS-7 DRT (Advanced Developmental Level)

• 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.

AND

• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate 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 or fluoroscopic procedures
4. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
5. Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills.

GS-8 DRT (Full Performance Level)

• Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

AND

• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate 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.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/77 PART II APPENDIX G25. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 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: This position requires a moderate amount of physical activity working with the equipment and maneuvering patients including eye/hand coordination; full use of arms, hands and wrists; transporting, lifting, lowering, moving, turning heavy objects and/or patients; standing, sitting, or reaching for extended periods of time. Requires color vision and depth perception: must be able to differentiate subtle shades of gray on a diagnostic image; must also respond to audio signals.

How you will be evaluated

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

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

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

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.