The Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is seeking a Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Mammography (M). This position will be located in Houston, TX.

Duties

Duties of Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography) - Navigator Technologist, include, but are not limited to: Knowledge of breast anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and function of the breast, and knowledge of changes to the breast caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of Mammography imaging to include screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, appropriate supplemental procedures, digital breast tomosynthesis, breast localizations, stereotactic procedures, and biopsy examinations including QA, mammography, and interventional procedures of the breast. Works independently on most exams but confers with Mammography Manager, Radiologist and/or Lead Interpreting Physician on more difficult problems. Obtains images of sufficiently high quality most useful to the interpreting radiologist. Evaluates the patient body habitus based on the patient's age, size, condition of skin (placing markers if indicated), position limiting disabilities and previous breast augmentation or surgeries to determine proper exposure technique settings. Must also evaluate the patient to determine the most effective method of communication with the patient. Positions patients accurately, applying knowledge of anatomy and imaging equipment to provide optimal visualization. Incorporates equipment components to obtain all required visualization, including angulations, compression paddles, and manipulation of imaging factors. Performs diagnostic mammograms on patients with identified breast problems. Performs additional mammographic projections from protocol or direction from the Lead Interpreting Physician/Radiologist. This procedure requires extensive knowledge of special projections and non-standard patient positioning that is essential to resolve identified problems. Must recognize and accommodate for patients with post radiation changes, as well as patients who have undergone mastectomies. Identifies patients using two patient identifiers in accordance with hospital policy. Responsible for the overall patient compliance for the completion, follow up and scheduling examinations. This includes but is not limited to follow-ups, annual, patient self-referral direct scheduling, biopsies, prior imaging, reschedules, patient cancellations, and unresolved studies. 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. Places Diagnostic/Breast Ultrasound orders under the guidance/authorization of the recommending radiologist under the PCP's name. Works to ensure reports and images are obtained for Breast Imaging performed outside of the MEDVAMC and uploads reports and images into PACS/CPRS. Assists Lead Interpreting Physician/other breast radiologist to ensure compliance for unresolved studies and helps resolve patients as needed. Effectively communicates to the patient all pre and post biopsy instructions. Manages breast cancer diagnosis (or patients with a pathology proven high risklesion) and ensures the completion pertaining to continuity of care under the direction of the Lead Interpreting Physician/other breast radiologist. The navigator will navigate the patient to surgery or oncology (ensuring that the recommended consults are in place). Ensures follow up care and survivorship care are being pursued. Relays negative pathology results via a telephone call to the patient if the results have not been relayed by the PCP. Documents relaying of results in CPRS. Assists in holding pressure and monitoring the patient after a biopsy when asked by the radiologist performing the procedure. Check the schedule a week ahead of time and ensure that the patients have the appropriate correct orders. If a patient is a follow up diagnostic to an outside exam, check in the system (PACS) to ensure that the outside exams have been received. Work Schedule: Various Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-00226-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. ? 7403(f). 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. 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, GS-10: 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. 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. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. 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. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.] Preferred Experience: Experience performing breast biopsy procedures to include but not limited to stereotactic, and savi-scout One year experience in mammography Experience working in a high volume fast paced environment References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles (15-44 pounds). Light to heavy lifting 15-45 pounds. Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may require reaching or work in strained positions. Reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required), prolonged walking, prolonged standing, repeated bending, kneeling, both legs are required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20, ability to distinguish basic colors (both eyes required), hearing (aid permitted), speed in working, occasional odor, and emotional stability.

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 Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center 2002 Holcombe Boulevard Houston, TX 77030 US
• Name: Latrice Dean
• Phone: 501-257-1752
• Email: [email protected]