This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Ultrasound, position is assigned to the Evansville VA Healthcare Center, Radiology Service; within the Marion VAMC medical system. EHCC is an outpatient healthcare center located in Evansville, IN. Incumbent must carry out the assigned tasks independently.

Duties

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Ultrasound Technologist, employee at this level performs primarily ultrasound but could be asked to perform general diagnostic radiology procedures within licensure. Duties include but not limited to: Performs, in an outpatient clinic setting, all ultrasound and radiology examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest, extremities, retroperitoneal space for purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Also performs vascular imaging, both arterial and venous. Advises radiologist of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing exam. Provides on-the-job training to new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices. Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, and physiology such as the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems applicable to sonographic illustration to interpret the requested examination accurately. Receives and identifies patients using two (2) patient identifiers, explains methods of procedures, assists movement of patients to and from wheelchair, table, positions the patient and performs examinations as requested. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them. The technologist is responsible for ensuring that they have a proper working knowledge of the PACS system. This includes ensuring that all images are transmitted correctly and have the correct patient information. The technologist will navigate daily through PACS, making appropriate comments and bringing any errors to the immediate attention of the PACS Administrator. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Maintains current knowledge and answers questions from other employees on procedures, policies, directives, etc. and obtains needed information or decisions from supervisor on problems that come up. Knows and understand the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized ultrasound and radiology equipment to approve the acceptability or rejection of each scan. This includes preparation and supplies, scanning motions, Time Compensated Gain (TCG), zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture-oriented examination, organ-oriented examination, and initial interpretation of the examination. Technologist notes of the examination require identifying normal and pathological appearances. The technologist interprets the requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinician. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations and works independently. Follows departmental Policy and Procedure Manual. Supervision is for administrative purposes and the employee must contact the radiologist or Supervisor to clarify difficult situations. The technologist understands and carries out the requests made by providers or seeks assistance of peers at parent facility/ radiologist when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is required. The technologist may be asked to perform administrative duties and other duties as assigned during their tour. Technologist may be required to undergo scheduling training and maintain competency for scheduling keys. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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). 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 Technician, GS-09 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must also demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): A. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. B. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. C. 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. D. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. E. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. Preferred Experience: ARDMS Certification, General and Vascular Ultrasound experience preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items such as cassettes. Use of mobile x-ray and ultrasound units in the main hospital and in the operating room requires twisting, turning to manipulate the x-ray tube and/or ultrasound unit. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

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 Marion VA Medical Center 2401 West Main Street Marion, IL 62959 US
• Name: Stephanie Hawkins
• Email: [email protected]