Primary duties of the incumbent will be to provide mammogram imaging for the mammogram imaging section. Under the supervision of a Radiologist, utilize specialized knowledge and skills to produce high quality mammographic images for screening and/or diagnostic exams for patient. The employee will participate in all aspects of the mission of the medical center, including clinical service, education, and research as needed.

Duties

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until April 4, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 19, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 4/4/2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. Duties include but not limited to: The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification. A. Incumbent is to be registered with the American Registry of Radiological Technologist as a certified Mammography Technologist. The incumbent's primary duties will be performing mammograms in a clinical setting. Performs mammograms examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized through experience gained from past work experience which includes applicable knowledge of anatomy and computerized technical factors. Reviews patients' prior images to obtain additional information to optimize mammogram techniques and positioning. Utilizes the patient's chart for pertinent laboratory reports, nursing notes, etc. Speak with the patient concerning symptoms and any other information that will assist in examining the patient for diagnostic purposes. Receives patients, explains methods of procedure, positions patient, selects and sets technical and computer factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment, i.e., O2, suction, physiological monitors, etc. Selects the appropriate protocol and parameters necessary for the required procedure and make exposures to record diagnostic images. While working in the mammographic suite the employee will participate in all aspects of the mission of the medical center, including clinical service, education, and research, as needed. The employee will also assist the management team with the collection of statistical data needed to monitor and improve the clinical service. B. Prepares patients for the mammographic procedure. Explains procedures to the patient to reduce anxieties and obtain patient cooperation. Moves mammographic equipment to specific positions and adjusts controls to set exposure factors based on knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques and protocols. Practices radiation protection techniques by using beam restrictive devices, patient shielding skills. Follows prescribed safety standards in operating all required equipment. Selects length and intensity of radiation Functional Statement Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Mammography GS-0647-09 exposure by adjusting equipment on an individual basis. Examines mammographer digital images for image quality. Ensures equipment is always in proper working order. Performs all required QA testing to comply with MQSA, ACR and State of Texas requirements/regulations. Always maintains patient confidentiality. Processes routine paperwork. Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations. Prepares all required reports and data pursuant to MQSA and State requirements. Assists the Radiologist with QA/QI reporting. Performs all other duties as may be assigned. C. Required to recognize the significance of all structures that are always visualized on the monitor. Independently performs additional views, i.e., compression, obliques, caudal-cephalad, magnification, etc. when significant findings are observed. Informs the radiologist concerning significant findings and observations. Checks results with the radiologist before discharging the patient. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. Working Monday, Wednesday and Friday Mammogram and Tuesday and Thursday DRT will cover Holiday and call. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Mammography (M). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. 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 other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). 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: GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this 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 (*): 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. Preferred Experience: Produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. PACS-Ensures completion of examination by following proper procedures to transmit images to PACS immediately after the exam. Demonstrates safe radiation work practice appropriate for the position. Demonstrate and verbalize proper procedures. Infection Control. Understands , demonstrates appropriate hygiene methods and infection control. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. 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 GS-0647 Veterans Health Administration December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9 . Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Pulling hand over hand (1 hour); Pushing (2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking (3 hours); Standing (3 hours); Repeated bending (1 hour); Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted).

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Accreditation Information: DRT: 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. Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) Accredited Educational Programs (Accredited Educational Programs (jrcertaccreditation.org) or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov).

Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Note: If your school was accredited by Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the Accredited Educational Programs (Accredited Educational Programs (jrcertaccreditation.org) website or DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov), you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

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 Dallas VA Medical Center 4500 South Lancaster Road Dallas, TX 75216 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]