This position is located in the Diagnostic Imaging Service within the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, IL. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist operates the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) machine. This position performs computerized tomography of the head, neck spine, chest and body and any other exams to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment.

Duties

Responsible for reading, understanding, and following all Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and Radiology policies and procedures and maintaining compliance in all requirements essential to maintaining their position. Performs irregular hour emergency scans on call, 24 hours per day, coverage. Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Operations Manager, Radiology Service. Performs all aspects of MRI imaging head, neck, spine, abdomen, pelvis, musculoskeletal, special imaging procedures such as Arthrograms, MRA/MRV angiography exams utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Responsible for maintenance of Level 1 and Level 2 MRI safety training. Responsible for screening patients, care givers, medical providers, and all others who enter the MRI suite for contraindications for entering Zone IV. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions including renal function for patients requiring contrast agents per Radiology service policy. Responsible for explaining exams and risks to competent patients so the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of a wide variety of highly sophisticated imaging equipment including but not limited to Power Injectors, 3D Reconstruction Software, Siemens 1.5T Symphony and Siemens 3T Skyra MRI scanners. Determines technical factors such as repetition time, TE, bandwidth, field of view, slice thickness, etc. to produce high quality images and satisfy requirements of MR exams. Maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on MRI Safety, Administration of Contrast Media, and all other relevant Radiology policies and procedures Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist that are used in MRI, to include general, specialized, MR Angiography, and all other exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality. Assure that appointments are scheduled/rescheduled within the appropriate time frames as outlined in hospital directives or memoranda. Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Reviews imaging orders screening information for accuracy, noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient or performing the exam. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies, notifying Supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance Properly identifies patient images by using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists, R & L markers, correct amount and type of contrast administered, timelines for any timed examinations, patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan. Properly identifies areas of interest on all images, if applicable. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace. Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service-level safety promotions as directed by supervisor. Performs other assigned duties. Work Schedule: Full time, Monday to Friday 3:30pm - 12:00am (Midnight) with weekends and on-call rotation Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000

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. 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: Applicants must have 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). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR): This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR), GS-0647-05: At the GS-05 level, you must meet the basic language and education requirements listed above. NOTE:Non-certified DRTs may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR), GS-0647-06: At the GS-06 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05). OR Education:Successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related filed to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (Transcript required) AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) IN YOUR RESUME TO QUALIFY: 1. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. 2. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. 3. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. 4. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. 5. Ability to learn basic computer functions. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR), GS-0647-07: At the GS-07 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. OR, Education: Successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related filed to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (Transcript required) OR, Experience/Education: Successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year bachelor's degree program in radiography or directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (Transcript required) AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) IN YOUR RESUME TO QUALIFY:: 1. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. 2. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. 3. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. 4. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR), GS-0647-08: At the GS-08 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience at the GS-07 level would include but not be limited to: Experience assisting with special procedures such as drainages and biopsies, routine diagnostic radiography, portable radiography, fluoroscopy, operating room imaging, and cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in computed tomography including post-processing applications. AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) IN YOUR RESUME TO QUALIFY:: 1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. 2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. 3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. 4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. 5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. 6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

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 Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 820 South Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60612 US
• Name: Yasmin Scott
• Phone: 910-488-2120 X1499
• Email: [email protected]