The Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), position is assigned to the Medical Imaging, Radiology Service, Magnetic Resonance Imaging section within the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. The Lead DRT (MR) at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program.

Duties

The Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, Magnetic Resonance Imaging must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The Technologist must have specific specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology, how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body, and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Performs irregular hour emergency scans on call, 24 hours per day, coverage. Requires the Technologist be available within 60 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Operations Manager, Radiology Service. Performs MRI imaging of the peripheral and visceral vessels through MR Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions including renal function for patients requiring contrast agents per Radiology service policy. Responsible for explaining exams and risks to competent patients so the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Technologist advises Radiologists or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Ability to monitor patient Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist that are used in MRI, to include general, specialized, MR Angiography, and all other exams. Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process. Inputs pertinent information into the designated computer systems and has knowledge to register, complete, cancel and edit exams. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for STAT, pre-op, urgent and routine exams. Ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient. Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of all equipment. Independently identifies, performs and completes active radiologic exams. Coordinates examinations that require radiologist direction around physician availability, maximizing exam room effectiveness. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies, notifying Supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance. Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines, properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization, positioning, required views, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging. Responsible for MRI department oversight and workflow delegating tasks to Technologists to keep the department running smoothly and keeping patient wait times to a minimum. Coordinates all scheduled, inpatient, STAT, Urgent, walk-in, and add-on patients into the daily schedule while keeping patient wait times to a minimum. Coordinates staff rest periods and meal breaks as to not disrupt patient flow. Participates in departmental development and training, including staff scheduling, interviewing, selection, orientation, competency, education, and evaluation. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 12:00pm - 8:30pm with weekend and on call rotation Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified applicants.

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. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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: Applicants must have 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). Grade Determinations: Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI), GS-0647-11 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. Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI): The technologist functions as a lead technologist for a group of DRTs at the GS-10 level and below. The technologist performs a full range of general radiologic treatment procedures and possesses broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area. The technologist is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Skill in directing on-the-job training for employees *Ability to evaluate work performance of lower level employees and recommend performance ratings. *Skill in technical planning and oversight to set and adjust work priorities, and [ensure] that work requirements are met based on employee capabilities. Ability to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including knowledge of growth and development. *Knowledge of medical center, VHA, and government-wide human resources management regulations, policies, and procedures. Preferred Experience: 1). Strong Lead MRI/Supervisory experience and 2). MRI protocol building experience preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

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 Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 820 South Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60612 US
• Name: Yasmin Scott
• Phone: 910-488-2120 X1499
• Email: [email protected]