Functions as a lead DRT (MR) technologist for a group of DRTs (MR) assigned to the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, Imaging Service. Provides a full range of Magnetic Resonance Imaging procedures, has a broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. At this grade level, it is expected that such assignments be unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology.

Duties

Employee will have varying assignments and can perform routine to complex and specialized studies, with and without administration of contrast materials, as prescribed by practitioners. The Technologist will also: As Lead Technologist, you are responsible to work closely with other technologists using encouragement, training and other motivational means to obtain the highest quality images. Coordinates the flow of patients through the MR department by efficient assignment of work and maximum utilization of staff and magnetic resonance equipment. Assesses and reviews requisitions with clerical staff and technologists, interacts with requesting physicians and radiologists regarding requests when necessary. Assists in initiating and implementing changes in methods of delivering patient care in radiology. Advises employees within their section of performance requirements. Will be responsible for assigning daily work plans, instructional methods, upkeep and maintenance of the MR student folders and attendance for MR students. Coordinates the repair and installation of imaging equipment. Maintains accurate records, as required by management, for quality assurance, quality control, daily equipment monitoring and other related purposes. Technologists work under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and rotates all responsibilities within the MR section. Assists with the development and maintenance of the schedule for imaging technologists in their section. Recommends, coordinates and evaluates new or modified procedures/protocols. Interact with representatives from outside agencies such as NHPP, Joint Commission, NRC, VISN and VHA and application specialists. Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing as required. Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment, to obtain examinations of acceptable quality using utilizing the standardized amount of specific absorption rate and/or B1 + RMS to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems. Performs all aspects of MRI imaging of spine, head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, upper extremities, lower extremities utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Performs advanced level aspects of MRI imaging, such as MR Breast, MR Cardiac, and MR Functional Neuro studies utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Performs MRI imaging of the peripheral and visceral vessels through MR Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. Technologist is required to maintain competence in venipuncture and refer to the Imaging Service procedure manual for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media After-Hours, Guidelines for Power Injection of Contrast Media, Use of Gadolinium within the MRI Section and policy for use of Contrast Media. Incumbent follows protocol regarding blood collection for ISTAT results. Technologist is competent and educated in all aspects of MRI safety, including any policy regarding MRI safety. Technologist is competent and educated in all service policies pertaining to the technologists and their assigned work section. Technologists receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, preop, urgent and routine exams. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department. Uses independent judgment and possesses the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patients' individual medical conditions and body habitus. The employee must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of The Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME). Ensures complete and thorough knowledge of the employee competency folder, maintain the ability to review each section with complete understanding of the individual requirements. Continually reviews new developments and standards in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Maybe required to work in an after hour on-call standby status to perform emergency scans. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Telework: Not available Functional Statement #: 40949F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(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). Details on the grandfathering provision are in the assessment questionnaire of this announcement. Grade Determinations: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). 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.] [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-10 (1) 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. (2) 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to the following assignment: Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The incumbent] functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs [at the GS-9 level and below]. [The incumbent] provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. 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 provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work. ii. *Ability to resolve informal employee complaints. iii. *Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures. iv. Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 10. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability.

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 West Palm Beach VA Medical Center 7305 North Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33410 US
• Name: Kristen L. Johnson
• Phone: 443-531-8426
• Email: [email protected]