The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Picture Archival Communication Systems-PACS) provides guidance, instruction, maintenance and troubleshooting in the daily operation of the Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS), Voice Recognition (VR) System, Powerscrib voice recognition dictation system as well as the radiology package in Vista. The incumbent will coordinate with OIT, VIsta Imaging Coordinator and Biomedical Engineering personnel at all facilities.

Duties

The duties of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (PACS) include the following, but are not limited to: Performs daily imaging system performance checks according to manufacturer's guidelines; identifies outliers and malfunctions and initiates work orders to address problems. Performs all QA/QC testing according to manufacturer's guidelines and service policy; initiates corrective actions based on identified deficiencies; maintains records of all QA/QC testing and results and actions taken and reports deficiencies to supervisor. Notifies radiologist of examinations requiring their immediate attention. Assures transmittal of images to PACS; performs PACs duties, which includes capturing computerized radiographs and digital images; applies an algorithm; configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting to the picture archive system. Performs image manipulation and data correction as necessary and monitors and performs DICOM correction. Receives reports from technologists of equipment problems and troubleshoots. Generates electronic work orders for biomedical engineering; monitors status of repairs and maintains equipment work order records. Maintain good communication with biomedical engineers and OIT for the purpose of facilitating repairs and equipment needs; keeps supervisor informed of all equipment issues. Assists with the database, archiving, training, program management, ADPAC application coordinator, and technical aspects of the radiology information systems (HIS/RIS), imaging reporting system (transcription, storage, and retrieval system) for the Teleradiology Program. Assists with the technical and administrative duties such as: equipment and space needs, utilization; policy, procedure, and goal development; and oversight of all quality assurance programs associated with these systems. Supervises the daily backup of the system, management of various PACS equipment and networks. Work in close coordination with the Program Analyst/PACS Administrator, Biomedical engineering and PACS specialists in IRM regarding all systems training, maintenance, and quality assurance monitoring required by the system. Serve as a PACS Technologist and interpreter of the software package designed for the service, working with IT to modify, install, and upgrade applications for the system. Work in close conjunction with Imaging Service Chief and assigned staff to provide continued operations in the event of HIS/RIS/PACS system failure. Reviews, implements, and ensures enforcement of VA government policies regarding accreditation standards pertaining to the PACS, HIS/RIS/DHCP, and Teleradiology systems. Ensures such policies and standards are in compliance with accreditation organizations such as JCAHO. Operates and maintains a variety of radiographic equipment and can perform radiographic examinations according to established guidelines; applies knowledge of anatomy and physiology in imaging; determines and applies proper position for anatomic region and desired outcome. Works with the Radiologist as a member of the radiographic team to ensure appropriateness of exams and to determine desired outcome. Prepares and administers contrast according to established guidelines and performs indicated screening processes and provides patient education. Properly identifies the patient and the image according to guidelines and ensures images are marked accurately. Practices radiation safety incorporating ALARA principles, in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self; applies shielding and lead equivalent PPE. Participates in quality control and quality assurance activities according to manufacturer's guidelines and facility policy. Records radiation dose on examinations according to guidelines. Incorporates infection prevention and control practices in accordance with established guidelines. Performs invasive procedures utilizing surgical sterile technique in accordance to hospital policies and applies appropriate PPE when working directly with a sterile field. Assists in the examination of patients; may be called upon to participate in off-tour rotations or holidays due to staffing shortages. Complies with all policy regarding infection control practices pertaining to pre-cleaning and cleaning processing of RMEs; cleans and disinfects all RME according to manufacturing guidelines and VHA operating standards associated with RME. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: May be available at the discretion of the Supervisor Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 57089-A 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. English Language Proficiency: Diagnostic Radiologic Technicians (DRTs) must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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). 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. 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 for the GS-10 Grade Level: Experience: At least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience, the candidate must also demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation. Preferred Experience: Incumbent must have experience as a PACS administrator with AGFA (IMPAX) and AGFA (Enterprise Imaging). Incumbent must also be willing to work from home on an ADHAC basis when needed. 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: The work may require long periods of standing, walking and recurrent lifting of patients. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees or with patient moving equipment. There is some bending, lifting and carrying of moderately heavy items such as cassettes and chemicals. The employee is required to work long periods (several hours) under duress.

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 Jack C Montgomery VA Medical Center 1011 Honor Heights Drive Muskogee, OK 74401 US
• Name: Chantel Moss
• Phone: 334-239-9344
• Email: [email protected]