Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens. This position has been identified as one of the hybrid title 38 occupations reported among the occupations with the largest staffing shortages and, therefore, under 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external applicants for appointments made during the FY 2025. 1st area of consideration current, permanent employee of the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System.

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Incumbent performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology, under the direction of a Supervisor of Radiology. Duties at this level include, but are not limited to:

• Assist 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 IVP and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, non ionic contrast material, barium, enema bags and drinking cups.
• Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technician is to assure compliance to radiation regulations by wearing film badges. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits, and when necessary, registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.
• Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical. Use two identifiers.
• 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 providing diagnostic x-rays to the professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity. These exams will be performed with the portable x-ray unit.
• Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor.
• Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees.
• Knowledge of DR and PACS system.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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 trial period.
• 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 dentification 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).
• Current ARRT Certification
• Current License

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 only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3g.

Certification: All applicants must be certified in Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R). 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.]

English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d).

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 (JCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). (Transcripts required)

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 5, 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.

Must have ARRT (R) certification.

Grandfathering Provision: 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 Requirements:

General Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).

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

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-5:

Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist,GS-6:

Experience or Education. At least 1 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 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; and
(5) Ability to learn basic computer functions

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7:

Experience or Education. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level or the successful completion of 1 full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree program 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 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 the function of computed radiography, Phosphor cassettes and CR readers; and(
5) Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 (Full Performance Level):

Experience or Education. At least 1 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 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; and
(6) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

(Your experience must be detailed in your resume to receive full credit.)

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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.