Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens.

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Major duties but, not are limited to:

• Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes.
• Technologist works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the CT and General Radiology section. He/she works independently on most
  exams and will confers with Radiologists and Section Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist on more
  difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives.
• Performs all aspects of CT imaging by standardized protocols as directed by the radiologist to include:
  Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis Extremities, 3D Reconstructions of CT, Multi-Planar Reformats CT and
  Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. Performs all aspects of
  CT Interventional Radiography, including Biopsies, RF Ablations, Abscess drainages, cyst aspirations, etc.
  Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas, Run-Off's, and CT
  Myelography utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis.
• Technologist will operate all radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment; perform all types of radiographic,
  tomographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Works closely with the professional staff involved in
  radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations.
• Technologist will independently perform examinations of the head, entire spine, chest, abdomen, and
  extremities, using direct radiography (DR). All examinations are processed digitally. This work includes
  computer manipulation (window/level), correct orientation of the images (hanging protocol), patient
  acquisition through work list and releasing images to storage system (PACS) and burning of images to CD.
  Knowledge of procedures and protocols results in accurate and properly processed radiographs.
• The employee must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the Medical
  Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff, as mandated by the Medical
  Center and Radiology Service Infection Control policies. Applies safety procedures for self, patients and
  others as mandated by Radiology Service Safety policies for all imaging modalities. Properly operates all
  electrical and mechanical equipment, is cognizant of basic safety practices related to the use of the
  assigned equipment. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis
  on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire;
  hand washing practices; and continuing education.
• Responsible to adhering to the Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) policies and procedures within the
  Radiology Service

Work Schedule: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 1:30pm-mid.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:41630F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized.

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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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.

English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Certification-Documentation Submitted. 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 2 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.

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: GS-10: .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 described at that level.

Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the 11 incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

1. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
2. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
3. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
4. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

Preferred Experience: Preferred recent CT and X-ray experience.

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

This position is above full performance level.

Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook Directive 5019.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain active until December 31, 2025. The initial eligibility review cutoff date is October 24, 2025, with subsequent review dates occurring every 15 days thereafter until all positions are filled.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees of the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System (Facility Employees).
2. All other VA Agency employees.
3. All Federal Employees from other Agencies
4. All other applicants - This is a shortage occupation and Veterans Preference is WAIVED (does NOT apply).

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.