This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This is an open continuous announcement until January 5, 2024. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The James J. Peters VAMC is recruiting for SEVEN INTERMITTENT Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Multi-Modality) positions in the Diagnostic Imaging service located in the Bronx, New York.

Duties

The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiology Technologist for the Imaging Service at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. In this position the incumbent will perform routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures, and MRI/CT exams for medical diagnosis. As a diagnostic technologist under the direction of the Chief DRT, the incumbent positions the patient on the radiographic examination table and moves the radiographic x-ray tube over the patient and applies knowledge and skill in setting technical exposure factors based on time, distance and patient body habitus to obtain optimum radiographic images. The incumbent operates independently without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. Incumbent must have competency to perform MR, CT and special/interventional procedures. Incumbent must have competency to perform MR, CT and special/interventional procedures, must be well versed in all issues related to patient safety and site safety, as well as, following all regulations in the MR environment, which is unique, as per local policy. The incumbent spends roughly 75% of time performing MR and 25% of time performing CT exams, general radiology and special/interventional procedures. Duties include, but are not limited to: Demonstrate a high degree of accuracy in radiographic positioning and exposure techniques. Perform a variety of routine and complex MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) exams including routine, vascular (peripheral, neurovascular), neuro (brain/spine) and musculoskeletal. Identify and initiate treatment for extravasation of IV contrast loading, programming and use of automated power injectors. Identify signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to intravenous iodinated contrast, as well as gadolinium based MR contrast agents, and immediately inform medical staff in the area including nurse and/or physician, and if necessary, activate emergency code and initiate CPR. Maintain operations log, maintenance and service reports. Perform or monitor safety checks on patients, employees and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards. Record computer data on film, magnetic tape, laser disc, and plotter paper as needed. Collect, collate and combine images with patient data and prepare for physician evaluation. Work Schedule: Different Tours Available. Tour will be determined by the Supervisor. Functional Statement #: 24383-F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Additional Information: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is at the GS-9 level. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Yes This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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: 1. Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates. 2. 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 in Computed Tomography (CT). 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. To qualify: Applicant must possess and upload BOTH ARRT (CT) and (MRI) advanced certification at the time of application. 3. 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). (1) 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. (2) Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification 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. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.. (3) Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 4. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. DRT's work requires long periods of standing and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing / pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices provided by the Radiology Section. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 5. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Requirements: a. Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. b. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR), quality management (QM), picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. Grade Determination Requirements: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment above, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: For the GS-10 Advanced Diagnostics Radiologic Technologist, the following is required: 1. Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, at the GS-9 level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies. 2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 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.In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following 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 Qualification: Must maintain BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD, GS-0647, December 13, 2019.

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 Bronx VA Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Rd. Bronx, NY 10468 US
• Name: Yaneth Ferrer
• Phone: 718-584-9000 X6569
• Email: [email protected]