This is a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (PACS Technologist) position located at the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHCS) in Imaging services.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Independently serve as a liaison for OIT, Biomedical employees and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize Imaging and clinical operations as well as distribution capabilities. Uses standard approaches to perform a variety of duties related to digital image support issues. Directly responsible for conducting extensive research and compilation of daily data from diverse sources. Extracts and assembles information, conducts analysis and develops reports or presentations. Provides first line technical support for image transmission and voice recognition and display errors related to modalities to include; VistA interface, display workstations, printers and voice recognition system. Initiates proper repairs when possible and instruct users in proper operation or work arounds, and initiates service level agreements coordinating repair requests with appropriate services or vendors when necessary. Investigates Power Scribe system malfunctions to determine the cause. Defines and isolates the specific problem, using available diagnostic and error recovery techniques, and initiates corrective actions. Monitors equipment controlling environment and executes emergency procedures in case of natural or man-made disasters and security risk situations. Independently performs daily operations of the PACS system. Monitors PACS and related systems including application systems, networking interface software and system administrative software. Evaluates system performance by utilizing various tools, capacity planning, and imaging management/maintenance to adjust system and operation parameters as necessary. Oversees all aspects of implementation of software and upgrades to the PACS system and proactively identifies any potential issues. Responsible for the coordination and transmission of images between the VA Medical Center and the contracted teleradiology services (NTP). This includes but is not limited to, coordinating meetings, identifying conflict and developing resolutions to satisfy both facilities. Solely responsible for monitoring and evaluating daily exams to identify and update dictation (VR) status, modality image (Dicom) failures and assures integrity of images and data integration between VistARad and/or commercial PACS system. Independently identifies and determines training priorities, conducts and administers training programs, develops and improves training guidance. Provides training to radiologists/physicians and technologists in proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software and in use of VistA and CPRS software. Coordinates with clinical service Clinical Application Coordinators (CACs) in training and development of instructional materials for display of radiographic images at clinical workstations. Directly involved with the assessment and procurement of new equipment. Is self-directed to identify problems, gather data, perform analysis, and propose solutions to problems and barriers to establishment of an efficient, cost effective filmless radiology environment. Provides analysis of user needs and recommends appropriate hardware and software solutions. The incumbent shall use an independent decision-making process to develop solutions to problems they identify and implement them. They will need to keep track of their data to later report to the Imaging Chief and/or Imaging Administrative Officer and Chief Technologists. Work Schedule: 8 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday. This position will be required to be on-call Weekends, Evenings, Nights and Federal Holidays. Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 619-54704F 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).] 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 5, 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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-11 PACS Technologist 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. In addition to the experience listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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: Ability to perform general Diagnostic Radiology procedures and advanced imaging studies in Computerized Tomography (CT) and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G-25 Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and physical exertion. The incumbent will lift and bend frequently to position patients for testing. Reaching and stretching is required to set up equipment; pushing and pulling ambulatory equipment is necessary between patient care areas. He/she will also be required to walk long distances between testing areas. Dexterity is required. All the above physical demands must be performed while wearing approved radiation safety equipment.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Montgomery 215 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36109 US
• Name: Morgan Hogeland
• Phone: 205-933-8101 X412220
• Email: [email protected]