Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens. This occupation is listed on the OIG Determination of Veterans Health Administration's Occupational Staffing Shortages Fiscal Year (FY25). Therefore, this vacancy announcement is exempt from Veterans Preference.

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Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Plans and coordinates work to be accomplished for Interventional Radiology, Angiography, and Interventional CT procedures.
• Sets and adjusts short-term and long-term priorities and prepares schedules for goals on completion of assigned tasks.
• Assigns work based on priorities, consideration of difficulty and requirements of assignments, and capabilities of employees.
• Develop performance standards and evaluate work performance of employees.
• Decide on emergent, costly, or controversial training needs and training requests related to employees of Imaging Service for Service Chief approval.
• Make decisions on work problems presented by facility supervisors, administrators, facility team leaders, similar personnel, and contractors.
• Provide advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both clinical and administrative matters.
• Participate in recruitment activities, including interviews and appointment recommendations.
• Follow established Quality Assurance (QA) guidelines and protocols to ensure integrity, availability, authenticity, and confidentiality of imaging data transmitted by the various modalities. This requires personally previewing imaging coming from modalities prior to storage in the PACS archive. Incumbent assists Interventional Radiologists and Surgeons and provides evaluation and reports to upper management.
• Document required information in reference to radiation dose summary and the amount of contrast given.
• Be responsible for the preparation of the procedure room, standard equipment, and operation of all ancillary equipment, such as Ultrasound machines, Angiojets, Embolectomy devices, RFA, and injectors for procedures.
• Assist in the evaluation process of new products and supplies, providing input in concert with Interventional Radiologists for feasibility of application.
• Operate the computer when performing DSA studies which require frequent moves between databases and/or alter existing databases, then transfer select images to the PACS and verify the arrival of the complete and accurate images.
• Perform fluoroscopic exams in the Pain Clinic using the digital C-Arm.
• Be required on a regular basis for on-call standby duties for emergent procedures.
• Perform ISTAT (Blood Analyzer Unit).
• Enter all implantable devices used in IR/Vascular procedures into UDI Tracking Inventory System within 24 hours of implementation.
• Ensure adequate stock of sterile catheters, wires and supplies in the procedure suite.
• Perform daily cleaning of equipment as indicated by infection control standards and follow established SOP guidelines for reusable medical devices.
• Adhere to facility infection control, universal precautions, and safety policies, utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) and following all safety guidelines according to established policies and procedures ensuring the proper disposal of contrast media, sharps and bodily fluids.
• Ensure patient is positioned properly for procedure, utilizing positioning equipment when needed for patient positioning support.
• Follow and monitor sterile technique policies and practices.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm
Functional Statement #: 21826F

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. 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).

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.
• 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), and 7407(d).

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 Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-11 Grade Determinations:

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, [PACS technologist, clinical program director], or an assistant chief radiologic technologist.

Knowledge, Skills and Assessments. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

1. Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient section operation.
2. Ability to analyze and use data effectively to manage section workload, quality, performance, and productivity.
3. Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.
4. Ability to supervise technologists performing a wide variety of difficult radiographic exams (CT, MRI, Special Procedures, Mammography, Ultrasound).
5. Ability to interview and evaluate candidates for positions, evaluate subordinate performance, recommend appointments, advancements, or recommend or take appropriate disciplinary actions.
6. Skill in participating in organizational facility initiatives, workgroups, and/or committees.

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

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

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 (Miami VA Medical Center).
2. All other VA employees.
3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
4. 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.