Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to the public. Current, permanent employees of Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), current, permanent employees of VISN 17, current, permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and current permanent Federal Employees must apply to CAZM-11663905-22-RMR. THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT.

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This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 22, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be Oct 17, 2022, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 09/22/2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply.Duties include but not limited to the following:

• Reviews patients' prior images to obtain additional information in order to optimize radiographic techniques and positioning. Utilizes the patient's chart for pertinent laboratory reports, nursing notes, etc. and interrogates the patient for symptoms and any other information that will assist in examining the patient for diagnostic purposes.
• Advises the radiologists of examinations' progress. Notifies radiologist of significant images requiring their immediate attention and visualization while patients are undergoing examinations. Converses with radiologist to establish requirements for nonstandard examinations.
• Required to recognize the significance of all structures that are visualized on the monitor at all times. Informs the radiologist concerning significant findings and observation. Checks results with the radiologist before discharging patient.
• On a regular basis, instructs resident radiologists and student technologists in the technical aspects of fluoroscopy and radiography.
• Processes exposed images utilizing computed radiography technique and archiving to the Picture Archive Communication System. Participates in the evaluation, analysis, and formulation of radiographic image management.
• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate them. Screens requests for proper clinical history and pertinent data. Modifies the examination to match the written clinical history when appropriate. Maintains records of patients treated, examinations performed, types of images taken, etc. Maintains a permanent record of images in the Picture Archive Communications System.
• Maintains visual and vocal contact with the patient during the examination recognizes patient distress and intervenes or contacts a physician as needed.
• Processes digital images for PACS and to generate hard copies for medical-legal purposes utilizing appropriate technical factors in regard to filters, edge, enhancements, algorithms, etc.
• Processes patient's previous radiographs recorded on film into digital images for storage in the PACS and comparison with computed radiography images.
• Reviews new developments in the field of radiology and recommends to the radiologist those developments which would augment the operation of the Medical Center.
• Maintains the Radiographic Suites in a clean and sanitary condition. Maintains supplies, reorders supply when necessary and determines the need for new or different supplies.
• Technologist may be called back to duty under emergent or special need situations. During these periods, no immediate supervisor is available, and he/she must be responsible for any contingencies that may arise in Radiology Service.
• Subject to irregular tours of duty when patient caring, scheduling and/or patient convenience necessitates coverage outside of normal hours of operation. Employee will be given a minimum notice of two weeks prior to tour of duty changes.
• Technologist instructs student technologists on all aspects of radiology technology.
• Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail.

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm, rotating on-call schedule/holidays
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
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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:

• 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), and7407(d).
• 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). (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
• 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. (PROVIDE A COPY OF CERTIFICATIONS)
• 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.

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.(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.NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry.

Grade Determinations:
GS 05
(1) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
(2) Assignment. DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. 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 developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in afunctional area. Such duties are performed under closer supervision.

GS 06
(1) Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 05) 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
(b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
(c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
(d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
(e) Ability to learn basic computer functions.

GS 07
(1) Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 06) 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. In addition to the experience above, thecandidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust theimage quality in the digital system.
(b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
(c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques,appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performingstandard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
(d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
(e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

GS 08
(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. GS 07 equivalent experiences include: see above GS 06 KSAs. 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.

Continuation of Qualifications is found in Additional Information

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.