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

Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS). Performs routine radiographic exams of the head, spine, trunk, abdomen, and extremities. Operates both fixed and mobile radiologic equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Performs as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts or in a detached clinic. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Operates C-arms during OR/Pain Injection Clinic procedures. Effectively communicates with patients, co-workers and clinical/hospital personnel. Prepares and administers contrast agents for oral, intra-articular and intravenous under direct supervision during fluoroscopic procedures. As a team member with a radiologist, performs procedures such as bronchograms, cholecystograms, cholangiograms, urethrograms, G.I. series, Speech Swallowing, barium and air contrast barium enemas. Sets up the X-ray Room. Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are available and ready for use. Determines correct technical factors adjusting for patient conditions and body habitus. Sets up and adjust accessory equipment. Prepares rooms, equipment, and all material needed for patient care. Prepares in the patient's electronic medical records imaging requests and consults in Vista and CPRS. Transports patients. Performs image archival and case editing of procedures. Work Schedule: M-F, 11am-7:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP: Authorized 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d). 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). Certification: Must be certified in General Radiologic Technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). GRADE REQUIREMENTS: GS-5 DRT Experience/Education: None beyond the basic requirements. Experience or Education at the GS-6 DRT (Developmental Level) To qualify at the GS-06 level DRTs must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) 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. Qualifying experience at the GS-06: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) 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. DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties are performed under closer supervision. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 Experience or Education at the GS-07 Level: To qualify at the GS-07 level DRTs must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that 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. Required Experience at the next lower grade level (GS-06): DRTs at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations .Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 Experience or Education at the GS-08 DRT (Full Performance Level) To qualify at the GS-08 level DRTs must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:(a) Ability to check system 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, dated June 26, 2014The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-0647-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (1-2 hours); pushing (3-4 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands required; walking (6-7 hours); standing (3-4 hours); kneeling (1-2 hours); repeated bending (3-4 hours); 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; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; and hearing (aid permitted). The environmental factors for this position are working closely with others and/or alone; protracted or irregular hours; and unusual emotional strain. OCHCO Bulletin Subject: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated September 30, 2022. This authority permits the Secretary to recruit and appoint qualified individuals to occupations reported as having the largest staffing shortages, notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. §§ 3304 and 3309 through 3318 (i.e., competitive service and Veterans' preference). While this authority supports VHA in addressing staffing shortages and the need to be flexible in hiring top talent to support urgent mission needs, the VA highly encourages the hiring of Veterans.

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 Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1601 Southwest Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 US
• Name: Rachyl Plasterer
• Phone: (717) 821-5687
• Email: [email protected]