The incumbent performs general radiologic and computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), Sonographic, or interventional imaging examinations/procedures on all body regions. These include highly complex procedures with multiplanar reformations, 3-dimensional reconstructions, dynamic contrast imaging, body CT/MR, and CT/MR angiography.

Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf *** Bargaining Position *** Works with radiologists and other staff in performing complex fluoroscopic examinations. Checks and verifies pertinent labs values and medications for contraindication to the exam to be performed and documents this review in the patient's record and/or applicable logbooks, spreadsheets, etc. as required. Prepares and administers appropriate contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable, oral, and/or rectal solutions such as CT IVPs, CT Urograms, MR angiograms, cystograms, cholangiograms, fistulograms, arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. In the case of injected contrast media, ensures a patient consent form is obtained, when appropriate. These procedures require extensive training and experience with the use of needles, syringes, intravenous contrast agents, barium, enema bags, drinking cups, etcetera. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisors for the quality of imaging exams performed by all Radiology staff members to assure a high-level of image quality while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Records and reports deficiencies and suggests areas for improvement to the Radiology Quality Manager and Radiology Quality Committee. Practices CT, MR, and radiation safety operating under "Image Wisely" guidelines, maintains As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) standards, and participates in Radiation Safety Committee, Radiology Quality Committee, and other meetings, as required, in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. ALARA is achieved using time, distance, shielding using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, collimation, and other methods as appropriate. As part of compliance with radiation safety regulations and guidelines the technologists must wear radiation exposure monitoring badge when in designated radiation areas. The incumbent must also practice the safety policies/procedures of MR, other imaging modalities, the medical center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Performs cutting-edge and complex image processing and post processing procedures on advanced workstations and software as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study. Maintains proficiency in advanced imaging reconstruction methods and techniques. Performs additional image processing such as loading and unloading cassettes on CR digitizers, adjusting image quality, providing additional reformats, and/or advance 3-D reconstructions when necessary or upon request, and prints images when required to provide high quality and properly processed imaging examinations. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual/remote position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/19/2024. 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).] Physical Requirements. Please see physical requirements listed below. English Language Proficiency. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists 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). GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Grade Determination: 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. 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs 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. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. 6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: 2 or more years creditable experience as a general radiographer, i.e., interventional radiology, surgical experience 2 or more years creditable experience in applicable advanced certification area (i.e. CT, MRI, etc) Experience using GE, Phillips, or Hitachi (CT) Canon CT experience ARRT CT credentials References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G25 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, GS-0647 dated December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: 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 conjunction 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. Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); Straight pulling (less than 1 hour); Pushing (less than 1 hour); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Hearing (aid permitted).

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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

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 or DOE website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

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 Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center 6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West Amarillo, TX 79106 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]