The incumbent serves as the Picture Archiving & Communication System (PACS) Technologist (DRT) in Radiology Service within the George H. O'Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center in Big Spring, Texas. West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) serves Veterans in 33 counties across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico which supports six (6) VA Outpatient Clinics, 40-bed Community Living Center (CLC) and 40-bed Domiciliary Program. Complexity Level 3.

Duties

The incumbent serves as a liaison for the Office of Information and Technology (OI&T), Biomedical Engineering staff and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize imaging including distribution capabilities; develops methods and programs to evaluate, monitor and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems; serves as team leader in planning, developing, and instructing users in the operation of PACS network elements, the integration of these with related systems, and recommends corresponding upgrades. This position researches and or/analyzes problems, issues, or program requirements supporting the functions of a digital imaging system; performs complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links necessary to interface with the HIS (Hospital Information System), Application Entity (AE) titles, individual and user group creation, and access management, system filters, exam code dictionaries, DICOM configuration testing, hanging protocols, voice file exchange, and other duties associated with this position. The incumbent ensures compliance with all national and VA information and security requirements, including archiving of images to radiology PACS. Responsible for maintaining security of the local PACS and Voice Recognition (VR) dictation/transcription system (currently PowerScribe 360), managing all PACS users, passwords, and the protection and authorized distribution of patient information. The incumbent provides guidance, instruction, maintenance, and trouble shooting in the daily operation of the WTVAHCS PACS, Voice Recognition dictation/transcription system, Nuclear Medicine Information System (NMIS), as well as the Radiology Information System (RIS) in the Veteran's Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA). Knowledge of the principles of image management, image archiving, communication systems and imaging information management systems. Knowledge of basic DICOM & HL7 classes and database concepts. Knowledge of PACS system software and functionality as it pertains to Imaging facility-wide and VISN-wide applications for current processing and future applications enhancements preferred. Develop contingency plans during equipment downtimes. Develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems. Lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements. Perform complex system functions such as: oversight of RIS (Radiology Information System), AE titles, individual and user group creation and access management, etc. Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security. 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. This position may independently function as a DRT, which include complex modality such as CT, MR, and ultrasound. Identifies and determines training priorities, conducts, and administers training programs, develops and improves training guidance. Provides training to radiologists, residents, technologists, and staff in proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software and in the use of PACS, VISTA, CPRS and voice recognition software. Establishes and conducts training for all users affected by the applications both within and outside the Service, ensuring effective operation and utilization of applications for users. Coordinates with Clinical Application Coordinators (CAC's) in training and development of instructional materials for display of radiographic images at clinical workstations as well as any other identified needs for Imaging service and other services throughout WTVAHCS. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm 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 Note: This is a Bargaining Unit Position.

Requirements

Qualifications

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). 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: 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems. ii. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. iii. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. iv. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality. v. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system. vi. 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: Certified PACS Associate (CPAS) or Certified DICOM Integration Professional (CDIP) Advanced Certification in Computed Tomography (CT) for minimum 3 years References: VA Handbook 5005/19 Part II Appendix G25 dated 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. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

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/.

Note: 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).

Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from:
Find a Program - JRCERT

Department of Education (DOE) Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from: DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov)

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was 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), at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the JRCERT: Find a Program - JRCERT or Department of Education (DOE): DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov)

Contacts

• Address George H O'Brien Jr VA Medical Center 300 Veterans Boulevard Big Spring, TX 79720 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]