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Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI - Recruitment Incentive

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), organizationally referred to as the Magnetic Resonance Imager operates diagnostic MRI scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two/three dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
09/22/2022 to 10/12/2022
This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$59,192 to - $76,950 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9
Location
Dallas, TX
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional Travel will be less than 25% of the time. Travel will be in support of VA mission within North Texas.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CAZM-11661569-22-KH
Control number
679202900

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to the Public. If you are a current permanent employee of the Department of Veteran Affairs or other current permanent Federal employee, you must apply to announcement CAZM-11661568-22-KH.

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Duties

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A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual.

The Magnetic Resonance Image coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgement, ingenuity, and initiative in the application of non-ionizing high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease in the clinic or on the wards.

a) The incumbent is required to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The technologist will be responsible for clinical, research and educational duties. He/she will be involved in all aspects of MRI/MRS including: (1) performance of clinical diagnostic MRI examinations, (2) performance of spectroscopic scope and imaging research, including active participation in the design and evaluation of new spectroscopic and imaging methods, (3) training of MRI/MRS principles and procedures to staff and visiting technologists from other Veteran Affairs Centers. While working in each area of Radiology Service, the employee will participate in all aspects of the mission of the medical center, including clinical service, education and research, as needed. The employee will also assist the management team with the collection of statistical data needed to monitor and improve the clinical service.

b) He/she will function as an expert regarding the software and hardware capabilities in performance of the instrument, advise the radiologist on what pulse sequences are available, and what selection of acquisitions parameters are necessary to produce optimum images and generate efficiency in the data collection. Maintains a log book of protocols in data collection. Maintains a log book of protocols for frequently performed types of examinations, including positioning, acquisitions parameters, and orientation of slices. Recommends improvement in the protocol to the radiologist and confers with the radiologist to keep this book up to date.

c) The incumbent will interview each patient for the examination to determine if the patient has contraindication for MRI or MRS, such as a cardiac pacemaker, ferrous implant, intracranial. Explains the examination procedure to the patients, determines which patient requires informed consent. Works with the radiologist to determine disposition of patients whose examinations are contraindicated, who are claustrophobic, or who require consents. Keeping the magnet area secure from unauthorized entries by visitors or hospital staff who may be carrying metal objects which pose a hazard to the patients.

d) Positions the patient according to the examination required and the patient's body parts. Chooses the most effective coil for optimization of signals, and positions coils correctly to prevent radio frequency coupling and burns. Applies cardiac electrodes, moving the leads as necessary to optimize ECG tracing.

e) In the case of unusual examinations, or in cases where unusual sequences would be ineffective, confers with radiologist and makes recommendations regarding modifications in protocol, and adding additional exams. Determines the resonant frequency, tunes and matches the coils, adjusting coils capacitors, optimizes radio frequency pulse power, and select to time, number of acquisitions, matrix size, and all other instrument parameters.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 4:00pm or 8:00am to 4:30 pm. This position comes with call and holiday coverage
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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

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 policy.)

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.

English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).

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

GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
(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.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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.

The candidate must also demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

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:

  • Customer Service
  • Ability to work independently and as a team
  • 3 years MRI experience
  • Knowledge of healthcare systems
  • Knowledge of a PACS system
References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0647 Veterans Health Administration December 13, 2019

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 pounds and over); Heavy Carrying (45 pounds and over); Pulling hand over hand (1 hour); Pushing (2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking (3 hours); Standing (3 hours); Repeated bending (1 hour); Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted)

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.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by JRCERT at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the JRCERT website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

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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