The Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). He/she works closely with the technologists, Chief Technologist, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, personnel safety, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic/therapeutic exam results, patient satisfaction and safety.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: The Lead Technologist is responsible for the quality of image data produced in MRI. This includes but is not limited to correct operation of all MRI and ancillary equipment, application of accessory devices, positioning, selection and manipulation of sequences and options, and post processing functions. Technologist Staff Scheduling: Determines staffing requirements based on past, present, and future workload patterns. Organizes staff work assignments, including lunch and break rotations. Ensures workload assignments are met. Coordinates leave requests (approved by the Chief Technologist) i.e., vacation schedules, to maintain optimal staffing levels. Participates in the evaluation of employees. Responsible for the evaluation and completion of competency checklists and Performance Appraisal process under the direction of the Chief Technologist. Reports conduct issues, performance issues, absences, and tardiness to Chief Technologist. Recognizes and addresses deficiencies in performance or conduct whenever possible, at the informal level, and reports outcomes to the Chief Technologist. Staff Training: Responsible for the training of new technologists in MRI, in the performance of procedures specific to that modality and organizational practices of the specific unit. Reviews formal orientation, training, and evaluation programs and makes recommendations to management. Recommends, coordinates, and evaluates new or modified procedures/protocols. Instructs technologists on specialized tasks and new/modified procedures and policies. Participates in the education of MRI technologists as well as other technologists through departmental in-services. Responsible for the training and direction of support personnel in the MRI department. Inventory Control: Ensures that adequate quantities of MRI supplies are available to meet workload demands. Assures that MRI procedure rooms are always kept stocked with necessary supplies with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies. Assists Chief Technologist in determining costs for specific exams and projecting costs for budgetary purposes. Coordinates new product evaluation and recommends methods and products to reduce costs and/or increase quality. Equipment Maintenance/Repair: Coordinates the repair of MRI and ancillary equipment. Serves as the liaison between Imaging Service and Biomedical Engineering and repair contractors. Tracks and maintains records of repair histories and vendor performance. Monitors work performance by contractors and in-house services assuring satisfactory completeness. Recommends equipment improvements, repairs, upgrades, etc. Participates in developing specifications for new equipment requests. Coordinates and maintains research projects that include MRI imaging. Responsible for implementation and adherence to the Quality Control program and for quality assurance of MRI examinations. Clinic Scheduling: Oversees the MRI clinic appointment scheduling determining the maximum number of procedures which can be performed in a designated time frame, to decrease backlog and accommodate emergent examinations utilizing system redesign principles. Acts as MRI Safety Officer for the service. Performs MRI examinations including but not limited to head, neck, spine, chest, cardiac, breast, abdomen, and extremities with and without the use of contrast materials. Performs image manipulation and reconstruction on advanced workstations to provide optimal image data. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92186-0 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. 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Regulations Grade Level Requirement:GS-10: Candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies are met. 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. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): 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 (*): Ability to provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work. *Ability to resolve informal employee complaints. *Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures. Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. Preferred Experience: MRI imaging References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25 dated December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. This position is being filled only at at GS-10 grade level. Physical Requirements: The position requires one to be able to stand or walk for long periods of time. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as equipment or records. The technologist must be able to help lift and move patients to difficult positions on the radiographic table. The incumbent will be using multiple computer systems, using both mouse and keyboard input, stressing the hand and wrist. In the MRI Suite the examinations are done using a large and powerful magnet. The magnetic field may cause injury or death. If the incumbent has a cardiac pacemaker, ferrous implant, or intracranial aneurysm clip, then such individual may not be suited for this position. ln addition, if the incumbent or some other personnel brings a metal device into the magnet room, it may fly into the magnet with great velocity, resulting in injury or death to the patient or technologist. When performing x-ray procedures, the incumbent is considered an occupationally exposed individual working under the supervision of the radiation safety officer. Exposure in controlled areas must be kept at a level that would not allow the technologist to stay in the area during the entire working month without exceeding their maximum permissible dose (MPD). This is monitored by wearing a Dosimeter badge MPD for the whole body and other vital organs (gonads, red bone marrow, and lenses) shall not exceed 5 REMS times the age in years, minus 18. When required, it is mandatory that the technologists wear protective devices and shield patients according to the Service Protocol.

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 John D Dingell Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 4646 John R Street Detroit, MI 48201 US
• Name: Cassandra Barlow
• Phone: 216-408-9680
• Email: [email protected]