The incumbent provides guidance, instruction, maintenance and troubleshooting in the daily operation of the hardware and software associated with Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) and voice recognition system (VR). To ensure these systems are maintained and function properly, the incumbent will coordinate with OIT, Vista Imaging Coordinator, and Biomedical Engineering personnel at facilities in VISN 16.

Duties

The duties of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - PACS Technologist include but are not limited to: a. Quality Assurance: The employee has responsibility for quality assurance measures, including but not limited to: 1) Performs daily imaging system performance checks according to manufacturer's guidelines. Identifies outliers and malfunctions and initiates work orders to address problems. 2) Performs all QA/QC testing according to manufacturer's guidelines and service policy. Initiates corrective actions based on identified deficiencies. Maintains records of all QA/QC testing and results and actions taken. Reports deficiencies to supervisor. 3) Notifies radiologist of examinations requiring their immediate attention. 4) Assures transmittal of images to PACS. Performs PACs duties, which includes capturing computerized radiographs and digital images; applies an algorithm, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. Performs image manipulation and data correction as necessary. Monitors and performs DICOM correction. 5) Receives reports from technologists of equipment problems and troubleshoots. 6) Generates electronic work orders for biomedical engineering. Monitors status of repairs and maintains equipment work order records. Maintains good communications with biomedical engineers and OIT for the purpose of facilitating repairs and equipment needs. Keeps supervisor informed of all equipment issues. b. Radiography: Performs radiographic examinations according to established guidelines: 1) The employee is proficient in the performance of routine radiographic examinations. 2) Assists in the examination of patients when workload and staffing require. May be called upon to participate in off-tour rotations or holidays when staffing shortages and emergencies occur. 3) The employee fulfills other duties within the scope of his/her area as assigned by the Supervisor. 4) Complies with all Policy regarding infection control practices pertaining to precleaning and cleaning processing of RMEs. Cleans and disinfects all RME according to manufacturing guidelines and VHA operating standards associated with RME. c. PACS Administrator: 1) Assists with the database, archiving, training, program management, ADPAC application coordinator, and technical aspects of the radiology information systems (HIS/RIS), imaging reporting system (transcription, storage, and retrieval system) for the VISN 16 Teleradiology Program. 2) Assists with the technical and administrative duties such as: equipment and space needs, utilization; policy, procedure, and goal development; and oversight of all quality assurance programs associated with these systems. 3) Supervision of the daily backup of the system, management of various PACS equipment and networks. 4) Work in close coordination with the Radiology Administrator, Biomedical engineering and PACS specialists regarding all systems training, maintenance, and quality assurance monitoring required by the system. 5) Provide training for department Radiologists. 6) Works as a team member with all PACS specialists and the PACS Managers across VISN 16 to develop continual upgrades, programs, and capabilities to the PACS system, utilizing knowledge of imaging modalities, devices, configurations, and optimum requirements of the PACS systems as needed in a radiological environment. 7) Serve as a PACS Administrator and interpreter of the software package designed for the service, working with IRMS to modify, install, and upgrade applications for the system. 8) Test upgrades and implement training for all users involved. 9) Provides first line troubleshooting with all PACS equipment makes minor, and some major, repairs if possible and represents the service management in coordinating service and repair with Biomedical engineering and/or OIT where needed. This includes equipment housed at the facility as well as equipment used by physicians who work virtually. 10) Install commercial PACS on OIT equipment across facility/CBOCs where applicable. d. ADPAC Duties: 1) The employee is responsible for the electronic documents associated with the onboarding process of new employees in the department. 2) Timekeeping duties as assigned. 3) TMS administrator for department. 4) Education Associate for department. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, Rotating On-Call after-hours, weekends, and holidays. Telework: Available (ad hoc) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 598-00218-F 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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. 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). 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 Technologist, GS-0647-11 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 needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, [PACS technologist, clinical program director], or an assistant chief radiologic technologist. Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes. ii. Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and OI&T. iii. Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems. iv. Ability to lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements. v. Ability to perform complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links, AE titles, individual and user group creation and access management, etc. vi. Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security. vii. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation.] Preferred Experience: n/a References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, 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, hearing (aid permitted). (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services).

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 L McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital 4300 West Seventh Street Little Rock, AR 72205 US
• Name: Sandi Adkins
• Phone: 601-368-4431
• Email: [email protected]