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

Duties include but are not limited to the following: Performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the head, neck spine, chest and body, while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle. These exams are performed with and without use of contrast materials. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing MRI exams. The technologist is qualified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. The technologist must know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality; therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment. The technologist will confirm completion of patient safety screening, confirming responses and initialing patient screening forms. Confirm completion and documents on the spot Level II Safety Training of non-imaging personnel entering the MRI suite. Maintains control of/ restricting access to MRI Zone 4. Participates in MRI quarterly Fire drills and Cardiac arrest drills, reinforcing technologists' role in removing patient from magnet and transferring them to corridor for assistance by non-imaging personnel Accurately utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the Radiologist. Develops, implements, and enforces MRI department policy and procedures, including MRI safety. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all MRI and general imaging supplies and related material. Reviews new developments in MRI and general imaging and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of examinations utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the physicians and patients with the best possible imaging for diagnostic purposes. The technologist performs all Quality Control tests required by equipment manufacturer, Joint Commission, and the MRSO documenting them appropriately and reporting any abnormality or malfunction to the supervisor, Biomedical Engineering, or MRSO. Inventory Control: Ensures that adequate quantities of MRI supplies are available to meet workload demands. Assures that MRI procedure rooms are kept stocked with necessary supplies at all times with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies. Assists Chief Technologist or designee in determining costs for specific exams, and projecting costs for budgetary purposes. Coordinates new product evaluation. Recommends methods and products to reduce costs and/or increase quality. Develops and maintains a schedule for MRI technologists to include fair and equitable call rotations. Determines staffing requirements based on past, present, and future workload patterns and develops the weekly/monthly schedules. Organizes staff work assignments, including lunch and break rotations. Holds staff accountable for workload assignments. Keeps Chief Technologist or designee apprised of performance issues, absences and tardiness issues. Directs any reassignment of technologists necessary because of call-ins or increased/decreased workload. Coordinates leave requests i.e. vacation schedules, to maintain optimal staffing levels. Evaluation of employees in the Performance Appraisal process including awarding high performers and working with human resources on performance deficiencies. Ability to interview and evaluate candidates for positions, evaluate subordinate performance, recommend appointments, advancements, or recommend or take appropriate disciplinary actions. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00AM - 3:30PM or 8:00AM-4:30PM (requires on call) Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized (This position is eligible for up to a 20% Recruitment/Relocation Incentive) EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinators for questions/assistance. Learn more 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. 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), and7407(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). GA-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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient section operation. Ability to analyze and use data effectively to manage section workload, quality, performance, and productivity. Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution. Ability to supervise technologists performing a wide variety of difficult radiographic exams (CT, MRI, Special Procedures, Mammography, Ultrasound). Ability to interview and evaluate candidates for positions, evaluate subordinate performance, recommend appointments, advancements, or recommend or take appropriate disciplinary actions. Skill in participating in organizational facility initiatives, workgroups, and/or committees.] Preferred Experience: MRI certification required, CT certification a plus. Must have at least 10 years experience in MRI References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute

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 VA Portland Health Care System 3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, OR 97239 US
• Name: Laurie Johnson
• Phone: (503) 220-8262 X51488
• Email: [email protected]