This position independently performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examinations that may require utilization of contrast materials and sterile techniques. Evaluates critical and emergency procedures and prioritizes them to accommodate the situation.

Duties

This position is within the Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology Service at the Lexington VA Medical Center, Lexington, KY. The incumbent independently performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examinations that may require utilization of contrast materials and sterile techniques. Evaluates critical and emergency procedures and prioritizes them to accommodate the situation. The examinations are achieved by using x-ray equipment such as digital radiography (DR), computed radiography (CR), general radiography (conventional/analog), fluoroscopy, portable radiographic and other devices for the purpose of producing high quality diagnostic images to provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment of identified abnormalities. Functions or duties of this position include but are not limited to: Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic procedures that may require utilization of contrast materials and sterile techniques including but not limited to general radiography, etc. Assist radiologists or other professional staff in the performance of fluoroscopic examinations (i.e. UGI, BE, arthrography, etc.) Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms, fistulagrams and arthrography and performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. In the case of injected media, patient consent must be obtained. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, renografin, barium, enema bags and drinking cups. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials runs the risk of patient mortality. Therefore, it is essential that those who prepare and administer contrast materials possess a thorough understanding of its usage and contraindications. This requires continual alertness to the patient's condition and other disorders. The alertness is essential for the recognition of potential patient reactions. Reactions require an immediate response to minimize harm and ensure patient safety. Therefore, maintaining CPR certification is a requirement for this position. Determines technical factors, positioning, etc., to produce a high-quality diagnostic image and confers with the radiologists to determine the requirements for non-standard exams that do not conform to established standard protocols. Notifies the physician of scans requiring their immediate attention. Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left, right and other markers when appropriate. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and/or in the operating/surgical suites. Responsible for providing quality diagnostic images for the surgeons and/or other professional staff on patients that are unable to receive imaging services within the radiology department due to patient incapacity or surgical requirement. Use of portable x-ray equipment, mobile intensifier units and other equipment may be required to complete the requested procedure(s). Works with the radiologist, surgeon and/or other professional staff as a member of the radiographic team with the responsibility for anticipating technique factor difficulties, preparation of trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of required instruments and equipment (i.e. sterile packs, gloves, syringes, etc.). Practices radiation safety (ALARA) in order to reduce exposure to the patients, employee, staff, and others. Reducing exposure time, increasing distance and utilizing shielding (i.e. lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation) will ensure compliance and minimize radiation exposure. Responsible for wearing film badges in compliance with radiation regulations. Responsible for explaining the procedure to competent patients in a manner that is understandable to the patient and includes what is to be done as well as any potential risks or hazards. Responsible for inventory and stocking of all general radiography supplies and other related materials. Assists in the training of new radiographers, radiography students and other staff for the purpose of enhancing the personal and professional development of others within the medical service as directed by the lead/supervisory technologist or management. Incumbent performs quality assurance on exam rooms to maintain proper function. Technologist monitors exam rooms, positioning devices and other supplies for safety concerns. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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). 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). Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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).Grade Determinations:GS-5 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. 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. GS-6 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) 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. Assignment. Employees 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: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6) 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. Assignment. 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: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. 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. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. GS-8 (Full Performance Level) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II Appendix G-25The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. In accordance with Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, datedOctober 3, 2023; Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 0647 (all specializations are included) are not subject to Veterans Preference. This will continue until September 30, 2023. Veterans Preference will not be collected for this announcement.

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 Lexington VA Health Care System 2250 Leestown Road Lexington, KY 40511 US
• Name: Annette Johnson
• Phone: 352 443-2381
• Email: [email protected]