The Advanced DRT CT Clinical Instructor will be responsible for assigning daily work plans, instructional methods and course outlines for DRT staff and students. Advanced DRT CT Clinical Instructor will assign and coordinate rooms and assignments with the DRT Staff and students.

Duties

Duties are, but not limited to: DRT staff and student rotation will include, the three CT units, operations of the CT tables injectors, and IV placement rooms. Advanced DRT CT Clinical Instructor will be responsible for training plans for all the DRT staff and students, the upkeep and maintenance of DRT staff and student folders, profiles as necessary for each college program, and daily DRT student attendance. Will attend off-site instructor meetings and workshops provided by affiliate colleges to assist in addition training as it relates to the needs of the service. Responsible to ensure that the application process is completed through the Education Department prior to the DRT student clinical rotation. Oversee the day-to-day functions of the colleges contracted with the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. The CT Clinical Instructor will utilize tools for teaching including but not limited to VISTA Imaging, PACS, Workstations, IV and head, body chest phantoms. This position has full oversight responsibility of the CT departmental Quality Management program and may also include oversight of a departmental Quality Improvement (QI) program. Advanced DRT CT Clinical Instructor reports to Chief Technologist the DRT staff and student's performance, progress, and the needs of the colleges contracted with the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. 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. Performs all aspects of CT imaging by standardized protocols as directed by the radiologist. Operate all radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment; perform all types of radiographic, tomographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Independently perform examinations of the head, entire spine, chest, abdomen, and extremities, using direct radiography (DR). Performs portable radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service. Technologist will rotate into different computed tomography and radiography rooms to maintain knowledge of all procedures and equipment. Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service Contrast Policy for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media. The technologist is trained in the proper use of I-stat and power injectors. Technologist acquires and maintains knowledge in CT dose optimization and the factors that directly affect radiation dose from the CT scanner to the patient. Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent, and routine exams. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done and what, if any, potential adverse effects may be possible. Move wheelchair and stretcher patients safely using ergonomic methods of patient transfer with the use of provided transfer equipment such as sit to stand, ceiling mounted lifts and air mattresses. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions. Responsible to adhering to the Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) policies and procedures within the Radiology Service. Practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff, and self. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department. Technologist may be required to coordinate work activities of lower grade technologist/students and /or provide guidance as necessary to assure completion of complex examinations. Technologist is required to keep abreast of current technical literature. Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing as required. Maintains current Talent Management System (TMS) training as required. Maybe required to work in an after hour on-call standby status to perform emergency scans. This requires that the technologist be available within 45 minutes from receipt of the call. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 41058F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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.] MUST HAVE ADVANCED CERTIFICATION FOR THIS POSITION (R) AND (CT). 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).] English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grandfathering Provision. *NOTE: This position is ABOVE full performance level for this job series. 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. Grade Determinations: Clinical Instructor. The incumbent performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology and is responsible for the oversight of an affiliated DRT educational program. Duties may include assigning daily workplans, coordinating evaluations, conducting imaging labs, assessing performance and assigning grades. The instructor has knowledge of the affiliation requirements and oversees the VA standards to ensure compliance. Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 (1) 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. (2) 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 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 (ON YOUR RESUME) all of the following technical KSAs: i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. ii. 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. iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.] Preferred Experience: Experience with student, and staff training in CT is preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 10. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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.

Contacts

• Address West Palm Beach VA Medical Center 7305 North Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33410 US
• Name: Kristen L. Johnson
• Phone: 443-531-8426
• Email: [email protected]