The incumbent works with the El Paso VA Health Care System and primarily performs Computerized Tomography (CT) of the head, neck spine, chest, and body.

Duties

Major duties include: a. Schedules exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for same day, stat/emergent cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may require immediate diagnostic information. b. Demonstrate adaptation in workflow and resolve internal conflicts and advise on resolutions for external problems and conflicts. c. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Notifies Radiologists or physicians of scans requiring their immediate attention. d. Performs all exams utilizing aseptic techniques. Adheres to infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on aseptic technique; the storage of aseptic supplies; proper disposal of 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. e. Works with the Radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. f. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/Angiography and other exams. Is certified to insert IV intravascular catheters via needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. g. Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage), sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Selects and sets technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. h. Practices radiation safety. i. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. j. Responsibly, professionally, and courteously explains exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. k. Responsible to maintain adequate work levels of CT and angiography supplies and related materials. l. Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 12:15 pm - 9:00 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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. 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). 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] Grade Determinations: GS-9 - Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, 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. 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: At least one (1) year of experience in CT At least one (1) year of federal experience in CT Have reconstruction of CT and angiographic study experience One (1) year experience in venipuncture References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting & carrying (45 pounds and over); straight pulling (0.15 hours); pulling hand over hand (0.15); pushing (0.15); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (0.15); standing (8 hours); kneeling (0.15 hours); repeated bending (3 hours); climbing, use of legs and arms; both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted).

Education

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

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) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the website, 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 El Paso VA Clinic 5001 North Piedras Street El Paso, TX 79930 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]