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

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist(Mammography) operates independently without, direct supervision. The technologist is responsible for the performance and coordination of diagnostic radiology examinations and procedures at VA Northern California Health Care System, Radiology Department in Mather. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Operates and displays a greater in-depth background, expertise and extensive skill in the use and operation of x-ray control consoles, tube assemblies and lock systems in order to perform diagnostic and interventional procedures for mammography. Understands and demonstrates the various and multiple mammography positions for standardized projections. Performs a full range of general radiology imaging studies, for example, chest, abdomen and extremity images. Responsible to the radiologists, lead technologist, and chief technologist for the quality and quantity of mammographic and radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff, and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, and collimation. The technologists to assure compliance to radiation regulations wear film badges. In addition, the technologists must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities. Schedules exams in the appropriate order when multiple procedures are requested. Works with work-list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface and case edits patients in VISTA. Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical. Explains exams to patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as any adverse reactions. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognized allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Ensures quality assurance by matching outside films with VA films and submit for dictation, files and tracks outside films for comparison and ensures information is entered in to the mammography database and is in concurrence with the Mammography Quality Standards Act(MQSA). Cleans and stocks supplies. Reports equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor. Enters work orders for repairs, when needed. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 0800-1630 Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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). 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). 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. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Grandfathering Provision. 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: 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. Physical Requirements. A physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. English Language Proficiency. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). GRADE REQUIREMENTS Creditable Experience: Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or nonpaid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time work week. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be met for the GS-10 level. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10 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 described at that level. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR), quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. Mammography (M). The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (mammography) studies. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25, December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10.

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 VA Northern California Health Care System 10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 US
• Name: Marisella Souza
• Phone: 925-356-4088
• Email: [email protected]