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

Position is located in the Radiology Department located within the Diagnostic Imaging Services in Seattle with occasional short term assignments to the American Lake campus to support VA CT/Radiology Mission. Operates a Spiral Computed Tomography Scanner. Develops new techniques, defines optimal protocols and devises ways to visualize pathology within the patient. Evaluates new system(s) and compares them with existing methodologies. Interacts with physicians, scientists, physicists, computer programmers, manufacturers and technical design engineers on a recurring basis in the performance of daily assignments. Coordinates daily schedule and consults with other medical center physicians, clinical, administrative and clerical personnel of next day and future day's availability for patient examinations. Schedules and receives patients to include verbal interview for demographic accuracy and patient education prior to procedure, ensuring patients' comfort and relaxation. Takes an active role in patient identification to ensure accuracy. Positions the patient within the CT system, monitors patient during all phases of appropriate examination(s) and removes patient from the respected system(s) upon completion of the data and/or imaging acquisition(s). Mandatory must record Dose on all CTS. In all sections, administers contrast media and medications under the direction and supervision of the staff radiologist(s). Confers with the radiologist(s) to establish requirements with reference to contrast agents, vital signs, medications and physiological monitoring to perform the procedure(s). The technologist(s) is/are available to assist and scrub with the radiologist during the procedure on an as-needed basis. Reference TX 52. Registers patient and procedure(s) in the VISTA system, Radiology package and enters case number to case-edit the patient's file and indicate that the procedure has been completed. Case edits once CT is completed. Performs technical and general operation and maintenance of the computer, disk drives, console, imaging devices, etc. Assists manufacturers and biomedical engineers in the calibration and trouble-shooting of any malfunctions in all equipment associated with the Computed Tomography Imaging Devices. Reports all deficiencies, needed repairs to Chief Technologist and Bio-Med. Completes work orders as needed. Establishes and monitors quality control programs for these sections and maintains operation logs, service and maintenance reports. Maintains imaging files on patient, clinical analysis, computer data, and technical parameters of each examination to include short and long term archives, film library and Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS). Maintains inventory of lab, medical and computer supplies. Initiates procedures to replenish stock and receive stock items/supplies. Assist physicians and other employees in the development and execution of procedure manual(s) and in devising and modifying procedures as necessary to include research protocols. Assists and develops training programs for new technologist(s), physician(s), resident(s) and general clinical staff in the Computed Tomography Imaging section. On Call is mandatory as outlined based on tour of duty. Computed Tomography Section: Performs Spiral Computed Tomography (CT) Axial and/or 3-D reconstruction scans to include drainages and biopsies. Assures sterile supplies, catheters, guide wires, contrast media and other materials are set up and readily available prior to the scan(s). Prior to scanning acquisition, incumbent select and set protocols for each individualized patient's examination(s). Monitors, observes and assists patient(s) within the CT Suite. Performs technical factors by accessing computer and responding with inputs that will result in the parameters of pulse form, pulse sequence, slice profile, etc., as determined in the above procedures. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 4PM - 12:30AM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Please contact the VISN 20 EDRP Coordinator @ [email protected] Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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).] NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: 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 interrelationship 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-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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 II-G25-1 APPENDIX G25. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0647 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking and standing, 4-8 hours; Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Mental and emotional stability; Prolonged standing includes the use of lead protective wear; Environmental factors: Working closely with others; Working alone; Protracted or irregular hours of work; exposure to ionizing radiation; exposure to body fluids

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 Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Delilah Black
• Phone: 215-823-5800 X6491
• Email: [email protected]