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

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) position is in Radiology Services at the Togus Maine VA Medical Center, located at the Togus, Maine location. This position is a full-time at 40 hours per week. The purpose of this position is to serve as a DRT performing computerized tomography exams of the head, neck, spine, chest, body, and extremities. Duties include, but are not limited to: Use specific knowledge of human anatomy, including-cross sectional anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or multi-slice Computer Tomography including CT Angiography, drainages, and biopsies. Evaluate the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate the more urgent studies requested. Document CT scan radiation dose. Perform quality control/assurance checks on completed CT scans to ensure optimally diagnostic images are referred for radiologists' interpretation. Receive patients and explains procedures, prepares CT room and equipment; explain exams to competent patients, and /or family members, as to what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Responsible to the Radiologists and Supervisor for the quality and quantity of CT exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Perform quality assurance procedures using a variety of phantoms to assure parameters and Hounsfield units are correct for diagnostic interpretation of each scan. Records and maintains a log of calibrations and notifies biomedical engineering of any deviation from normal scanning parameters. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of slices, etc. Advises Radiologists or referring physicians of examination results; notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Perform peripheral and visceral CT Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. These angiographic studies include but not limited to the cerebral, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, and femoral arteries. Perform exams utilizing surgical sterile technique as required. This may require preparation of surgical trays, assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination to supplies/equipment and the patient. This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, cleanup trays, etc. Adheres to infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps', proper attire, and hand washing practices. Perform 3-D reconstructions of CT and CT angiography studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Responsible for ordering, stocking, and inventory of all CT and CT angiography supplies and related materials. Maintain records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of patient registrations and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. Perform 3-D reconstructions of CT and CT angiography studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Work Schedule: Full Time Monday-Friday Rotating weekends/Multiple day shifts available Compressed/Flexible:Not available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:F03185 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact the EDRP Coordinator Hannah Nielson at [email protected] for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Notification: This position is in the Excepted Service. This position is in a Bargaining Unit position. Veterans' preference does not apply The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's. Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.

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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Performs Computerized Tomography exams of the head, neck, spine, chest, body, and extremities. These exams are performed with the use of oral and IV contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of superior quality to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. Incumbent will also perform general radiology exams and other tasks as assigned. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Will maintain ARRT licensure requirements. Meets all VA standards for continuing education. The candidate must demonstrate the experience above as well as the following technical KSAs: and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. 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). Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate lifting and carrying, up to 44 lbs. Limited to 35lbs. with straight pulling; pushing; reaching at and above shoulders; use of both hands and fingers required; walking and/or standing (6- 8hours); crawling; kneeling; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Physical Environment: Standard: The size and layout of the facility must be adequate to allow for patient comfort, privacy and special needs as well as fostering appropriate workflow. This includes areas for imaging exams, control rooms, processing, image interpretation, patient changing, recovery/post-procedural care, waiting, administration, storage, record filing, medical physics services, engineering services, and staff. Hospital Care setting.

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 Togus VA Medical Center 1 VA Center Augusta, ME 04330 US
• Name: Donna Davies
• Phone: (603) 624-4366 X5077
• Email: [email protected]