This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Mammography technologist position is assigned to the W.G.(Bill) Hefner VAMC, Radiology Service; Mammography section primarily at the Salisbury, NC campus. In addition, Mammography technologist will provide periodic coverage for the Charlotte HCC VA mammography service. Technologist performs all duties in the Mammography department. Operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all mammography exams. The purpose of these exams is to achieve quality diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be implemented. Incumbent possesses specific knowledge and training of the location, appearance, and function of the breast to interpret the examination request accurately; understands the functioning and interrelationship of the breast imaging techniques and modalities using the methods and techniques which will identify breast abnormalities on the digital display monitor or image Provides services in mammography, including performing very difficult and highly specialized radiographic examinations of the breast mammography utilizing a variety of specialized procedures that require precise positioning producing quality results. Sets up the exam room, assuring sufficient quantities of sterile supplies, and assures all needed equipment is present and in working order. Provides quality patient care when receiving, explaining the procedure, and positioning the patients. Sets the correct technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment, sets the required exposure for the requested procedure, secures the confidence and cooperation of the patient during the examination procedures, and recognizes exceptional diagnostic challenges. Communicates effectively with patients and the patient's primary care providers all pertinent information to ensure compliance for annual, follow up, unresolved, prior imaging, scheduling, and biopsy studies. Places screening orders under the PCP for all patients due, overdue, or patient self-referral direct scheduling. Works to ensure reports and images are obtained for Breast Imaging performed outside of the MEDVAMC and uploads reports and images into PACS/CPRS. Reviews patient orders, prior reports, and scheduling to prevent any interruptions in patient care and workflow. Assists with interventional breast biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. Performs proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed, knowledge of supplies, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. Incumbent will work with the radiologist/ physician as a member of the surgical /mammography team. Interventional breast procedures performed may include, but are not limited to, biopsies, localizations, aspirations, ductograms, and contrast studies. Confirms doctor's orders and checks patient identification. Discusses procedures with patient and verifies that patient does not have allergies. Provides the patient with procedure instructions and positions the patient appropriately for the exam to be performed. Sets exposure factors. Takes necessary scout images as ordered by radiologists prior to procedure and labels correctly. Ensures all prior images are available for radiologist. Incumbent is compliant with RME cleaning according to policy and manufacturer's guidelines. Performs the processes to prepare Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) per facility SOPs specific to each device according to manufacturer's recommendations as required. Ensures and maintains compliance with all QC and QA requirements as per VHA policy, FDA/MQSA regulations, and ACR accreditation standards. Collects and reviews data and images with the Mammography Supervisor and/or Lead Interpreting Physician, interpreting physician(s), and medical physicist(s). Ensures data is entered in the tracking/reporting system, manages reports and monitors data to facilitate compliance with required regulatory and accreditation standards. Assists with organizing and maintaining a procedure manual for mammography examinations. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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), and 7407(d). 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). Must have advanced ARRT Mammography (M) certification. 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: DRT (Mammography), GS-9 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 incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: (a) [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II, Appendix G25. Dated December 13, 2019. Preferred Experience: Mammography Certification The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. 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. Bending, pushing, pulling, reaching and occasional kneeling, crawling and squatting; lifting, carrying, bending, and manipulation of equipment; patient assistance and positioning; walking and prolonged standing; the ability to read written orders, computer screens, patient records, and equipment controls; and the ability to communicate with patients, physicians, and coworkers. Near visual acuity to assess patient's physical condition when performing exams and evaluating images for diagnostic quality. Must be able to speak and hear to communicate with patients. Ability to make critical decisions, interact with patients of different ages and health conditions, maintain patient confidentiality, work under stressful conditions, such as operating or emergency rooms.

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 WG Bill Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center 1601 Brenner Avenue Salisbury, NC 28144 US
• Name: Hunter Akers
• Email: [email protected]