This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

If you are not a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply to CBST-12179429-24-AB. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), position is assigned to the Veterans Healthcare system of the Ozarks, Radiology Service; Diagnostic Radiology section within the VHSO system. The duties of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist include, but are not limited to: Operates a wide variety of imaging equipment accurately to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes; Performs general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures, but confers with Radiologists and supervisors on more difficult problems. Receives patients and is responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend. Explains potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam and obtains consent for examinations using contrast media. Performs Fluoroscopic procedures and Bone Density exams. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of Dexa scanning. Performs fluoroscopic exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. Works with the radiologist/physician as a member of the surgical /IR/Fluoro team. Assists and anticipates the needs of the radiologist/physician and the performance of the exam. Maintains competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media, and policy for use of Contrast Media. Follows policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Utilizes lead aprons, lead gloves, and lead shields when exposed to radiation, while adhering to Radiation Safety guidelines, properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization, positioning, required views, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging. Maintains knowledge of all department and Diagnostic Radiology section policies, acknowledging the receipt and understanding of these policies by signing the supervisory copy of the policy. Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams. Operates and maximizes utilization of all equipment. Identifies, performs and completes active radiologic exams. Coordinates examinations that require radiologist direction around physician availability, maximizing exam room effectiveness. Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff, as mandated by Medical Center and Radiology service Infection Control policies. Applies safety procedures for self, patients and others as mandated by Imaging Service Safety policies for all imaging modalities. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department. Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service-level safety promotions as directed by supervisor. Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 564-00822-F, 564-00823-F, 564-00824-F, 564-00825-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Jennifer Isbell-Gross, [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Applicants must have 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. 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. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a Graduate Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist that provides care under the supervision of a certified Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-05 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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 Determination: GS-05: Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-06: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-07: Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at the 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; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4 year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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. GS-08: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check systems for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Straight pulling (2 hours); Pushing up to 2 hours; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers, Both hands required; Walking (7 hours); Standing (7 hours); Repeated bending (2 hours); Specific visual requirements (specify): glasses permitted, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, good distance vision, and ability to read without strain; Hearing (aid permitted); Ability to verbally communicate; Twisting; Lifting incapacitated patients; Lifting/Pushing Stretcher patients; Pushing wheel chair patients.

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 Fayetteville AR VA Medical Center 1100 North College Avenue Fayetteville, AR 72703 US
• Name: April Bookout
• Phone: 315-800-7297
• Email: [email protected]