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Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Part-time)

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
This job announcement has closed

Summary


Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, digital diagnostic units, and C-Arm equipment used in the Operating Room.

Overview

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Job canceled
Open & closing dates
09/20/2022 to 11/18/2022
Salary
$56,086 to - $72,907 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 8
Location
Martinsburg, WV
4 vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Intermittent
Work schedule
Multiple Schedules
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CBTF-11635509-22-MT-GroupJA
Control number
678453200

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Duties

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Major Duties:

  • Performs fluoroscopic examinations under the guidance and direction of the Radiologists in the less complex fluoroscopic examinations.
  • Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as cystogram, cholangiograms, fistula grams and arthrography 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. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, oral contrast, barium, enema bags and drinking cups.
  • Responsible to the Radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.
  • Sends emergent studies after hours to offsite Teleradiology station assuring proper form is filled out.
  • Responsible for the quality assurance of the image such as positioning, label, technique, and net work information.
  • Proficient in the operation of PACS, the transference of selected images, and verification of their arrival for interpretation and dictation.
  • Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff, and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, and collimation. The technologist will assure compliance to radiation regulations wearing film badges. The incumbent just also be aware of and practice the procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
  • Always adheres to Medical Center infection control and universal precautions in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures. Follows safety guidelines according to established policies and procedures ensuring the proper disposal of contrast media, sharps, and bodily fluids.
  • Registers patients if clerical support is not available using the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.
  • Follows Joint Commission National Safety Goals. Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical. Utilization of the patient identifier information on the requisitions.
  • Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology department due to incapacity or surgical procedures.
  • Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Performs daily cleaning of equipment as indicated by infection control standards.
  • Reports equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor.
  • Provides education to patients and their families on imaging procedures.
  • Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees.
  • Is required to work alternating holidays, weekends and cover for staff shortage/s as needed.
Full Position Description available through the department



Work Schedule: Shifts and hours will vary; looking for first shift support of approximately 16-32 hours per week and following that priority, a focus on some weekend shift hours. May have Opportunity to explore fulltime regular role in future.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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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.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • 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).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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. 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. 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).]
  • NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.].
  • 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.
  • Physical Requirements. In addition to the below, Please see VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
  • English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).
Creditable Experience(1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or nonpaid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.(2)

Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.(3)

Grade Determinations: GS-8(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7*) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.*Examples of assignments and knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) at the GS-07 grade level include but are not limited to:

Assignment: Perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services.

KSA's:

(1)
Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system; Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study; 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; Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems; Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills

(2) Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.

(3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
(b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
(c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
(d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
(e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
(f) 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 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.

Physical Requirements: Performs imaging studies while standing and will be required to make trips to the patient waiting room in order to call patients in. There may be some standing, bending, and carrying of light items such as carrying paperwork, utilizing the mobile x-ray machine, and utilized the C arm in the operating room. This requires repositioning of the camera during an OR procedure or during a portable x-ray completed.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.


If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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, résumé, 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.

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