The general DRT is expected to perform standard and complex imaging protocols using advanced high cost/high technology not limited to Digital Radiography (DR). Performs basic and some advanced PACS procedures using various applications to ensure proper handling of image storage and dissemination to various customers to include but not limited to patients, providers, and other facilities. The DRT will be assigned to the PFC James Dunn VA CBOC in Pueblo, CO.

Duties

DRT requires current and maintained American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification. DRT evaluates the nature of critical and emergent procedures and prioritizes them accordingly. Interaction with physicians, nurses, Biomedical Engineers, computer programmers, manufacturer's field engineers, and other service personnel will be normal occurrence of the daily duties of the technologist. The DRT will be assigned to the PFC James Dunn VA CBOC in Pueblo, CO. The DRT will be available to work various tours and on-call status as deemed necessary. The duties, include but are not limited to: Employees at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. The general DRT is expected to perform standard and complex imaging protocols using advanced high cost/high technology not limited to Digital Radiography (DR). Incumbent must be available to work independently at various tours of duty including weekends, holidays, and on-call duties as needed. The DRT shall perform routine diagnostic radiographic examinations of the head, cervical/thoracic/lumbar spines, chest, abdomen, and extremities in the department and possible portable settings. Employee performs special and more complex procedures to include long bone surveys, scoliosis studies. Confers with radiologists for determination of non-standard exams; determines technical factors, positioning, and sets the equipment to obtain radiographic images. Performs radiographic exams utilizing standard protocols and reading medical history to ensure proper exams are achieved; distributes exam requisitions according to Radiologist assignment and the level of exam priority. Notifies radiologist of studies requiring their immediate attention such as STAT or Urgent. Explains exams and/or procedures to the patient so the patient comprehends actions taking place. Properly records any information from the patient that might be pertinent to the radiologist when reading/dictating the exam. Ensures proper/correct patient identification is on every image. Ensures proper/correct side is marked on every image with left and right markers. Ensures all images going into PACS have the correct accession number for radiologist interpretation and provider's viewing. Registers, requests, cancels, and edits exams through varies computer programs including but not limited to: Radiology Information System (RIS), VISTA, VISTA Imaging, CPRS. Schedules patient procedures in various modalities when needed; informs patient of all pertinent preparations for his/her exam. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self by following the principles of ALARA. Screens all child-bearing age patients (12-55 years old) if they are or think they may be pregnant. Ensures film badge(s) are properly worn when performing radiographic examinations. Properly uses radiographic equipment to obtain the highest image quality possible. Troubleshoots problems and reports them to their supervisor and the correct authority to fix (i.e. PACS Administrator, Maximo request, I.T. requests, etc.). Inspects radiographic equipment, performs daily warm up procedures, and conducts weekly Quality Control (QC) tests to ensure equipment is functioning properly. The DRT is a steward of proper handling of the radiographic equipment and its peripheral components to ensure longevity of operation. Performs basic and some advanced PACS procedures using various applications to ensure proper handling of image storage and dissemination to various customers to include but not limited to patients, providers, and other facilities. Following Release of Information (ROI) and HIPAA guidelines, incumbent shall follow procedures to "burn" exams onto a computer disc (CD) using current hardware and software programs. Following ROI and HIPAA guidelines, properly labels envelopes and CD mailers to ensure proper handling when correspondence is needed. Maintains flexibility and competency in assigned duties with no supervision during non-duty hours. Incumbent will be available to work various shifts, on-call status, and any other tasks deemed necessary by his/her management/supervisory team. DRT shall ensure department security is upheld; physical security includes locking doors when applicable and security of patient information to prevent HIPAA violations. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Telework: Not Available Functional Statement #: 58650-A, 58651-A, 58652-A, and 58653-A 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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. [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).] 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 Technician, GS-5 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6 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. 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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. 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 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. 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 500/119, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: The physical demand of the work includes: 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).

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 Eastern Colorado HCS Denver 13611 E. Colfax Ave Aurora, CO 80045 US
• Name: Sokhan York
• Phone: 801-584-1284 X3119
• Email: [email protected]