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

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This is an open continuous announcement until March 12, 2024. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. Note: This position may be eligible for several incentives, to include special salary rate, recruitment incentive, retention incentive, leave accrual rate adjustments, and/or loan repayment program (EDRP). The James J. Peters Medical Center is currently recruiting for 2 Full-Time Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) positions in the Bronx, New York at the GS-10 level. The DRT (MRI) performs imaging exams on inpatients, outpatients, routine patients, stat patients and on patients in the Emergency Department and in the OR in any facility operated by the VA James J. Peter Health Care System. Coverage is provided 24 hours, 7 days a week. The incumbent is expected to provide various tour coverage including weekends and holidays. As a diagnostic technologist under the direction of the Chief DRT, the incumbent positions the patient on the radiographic examination table and moves the radiographic x-ray tube over the patient and applies knowledge and skill in setting technical exposure factors based on time, distance and patient body habitus to obtain optimum radiographic images. The incumbent operates independently without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. Incumbent must have competency to perform MR, CT and special/interventional procedures. Incumbent must have competency to perform MR, CT and special/interventional procedures, must be well versed in all issues related to patient safety and site safety, as well as, following all regulations in the MR environment, which is unique, as per local policy. The incumbent spends roughly 75% of time performing MR and 25% of time performing CT exams, general radiology and special/interventional procedures. Duties include, but are not limited to: Demonstrate a high degree of accuracy in radiographic positioning and exposure techniques. Perform a variety of routine and complex MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) exams including routine, vascular (peripheral, neurovascular), neuro (brain/spine) and musculoskeletal. Identify and initiate treatment for extravasation of IV contrast loading, programming and use of automated power injectors. Identify signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to intravenous iodinated contrast, as well as gadolinium based MR contrast agents, and immediately inform medical staff in the area including nurse and/or physician, and if necessary, activate emergency code and initiate CPR. Maintain operations log, maintenance and service reports. Perform or monitor safety checks on patients, employees and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards. Record computer data on film, magnetic tape, laser disc, and plotter paper as needed. Collect, collate and combine images with patient data and prepare for physician evaluation. Work Schedule: Different tours available: Mon-Fri 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM and Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Supervisor will determine tour of duty. Recruitment Incentive: Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 24382-F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Yes EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected] for questions or assistance.

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: 1. Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. 2. 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). Applicant MUST upload transcript and/or diploma at the time you apply to this announcement. 3. 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 above the full performance level. For this position, BOTH magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT) certifications are required. 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. A Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will have a current, full, active and unrestricted registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certifications for this position in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are required. Applicant must upload ARRT (R) (MR) and ARRT (R)(CT) certifications at the time of application to this announcement. Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements. For the GS-10 Diagnostics Radiologic Technologist, the following is required: 1. Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, at the GS-9 level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies. 2. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issued and enforced. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety. Additional Information: Assignment. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. Physical Requirements: DRT's work requires long periods of standing and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing / pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices provided by the Radiology Section. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Grandfathering Provision: 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). All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD, GS-0647 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is at the GS-10 level.

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 Bronx VA Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Rd. Bronx, NY 10468 US
• Name: Yaneth Ferrer
• Phone: 718-584-9000 X6569
• Email: [email protected]