The incumbent operates as an advanced DRT, specializing in Computed Tomography (CT). Incumbent works independently during standard general imaging and complex CT examinations and procedures. This includes nonstandard and advanced protocols such as emergency and inpatients, as expected in a 1A High Complexity Medical Center. Assists the Medical Support Assistants or perform the scheduling patients for the respective CT examinations.

Duties

-Develops alternate imaging processes. The incumbent will be involved with difficult and intricate techniques (current or new), defining optimal protocols, and devising alternate ways to visualize pathology within the patient. -Perform CT examinations of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities -Understand and utilize 3D A/V rendering application software. Shall perform and demonstrate competency in the ability to perform quality post-procedure reformats and send to PACS. Make multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to include peripheral equipment and protocols such as 3D reconstruction to ensure accurate results. -This position requires rotating on-call duties and overtime for emergency coverage. When in on-call status, the expectation is to respond to the medical center within 60 minutes from the time the call is received. Tours may also change depending on needs of the service or medical center. -Interview patients about their medical history; screen patients prior to exams to evaluate for contraindications to the procedure. Employ safety documents, such as IMED consent or contrast forms. -Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality. Modesty and comfort will be observed for all patients. -Develop and maintain patient prep procedures so that referring services understand the proper preparations for CT examinations to minimize delays. -Ensure that all forms are included in the patient's medical record to by scanning forms and questionnaires using the correct accession number. -Transmit images to PACS, Medicom, contracted facilities, or unto requested CD while meeting privacy guidelines. Follow Release of Information guidance for proper disposition of requested studies that contain private data. -When performing examinations, patient safety will always be observed. -Properly label, secure, and prepare IV contrast as necessary. Inject patients with contrast media per radiologist or ordering clinician protocol. -Monitor patient during and after contrast injection to see if there is any reaction. -Maintain required licensure to include ARRT, special modality certification (CT), BLS/CPR, TMS completion and other hospital mandatory training requirements as well as skills in starting IVs thru peripheral veins. -Additional duties as necessary within the scope of practice for a DRT-CT technologist. Advanced Level Duties -In addition to routine CT examinations, the technologist shall be able to with occasional oversight, perform specialized and complex CT procedures including cardiac, CTA neck or head, pulmonary embolism (PE), aorta study for dissection, and CTA extremity. Perform CT imaging for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure to provide cardiologist and specialist in the work-up for TAVR candidate patients. Employ stroke protocol in accordance with guidelines for thrombolysis and knowledge of classic early ischemic signs or depiction of hemorrhage using non-enhanced computed tomography (CT). -Shall be able to perform CT-guided biopsy procedures independently and employ dynamic or static scanning technique as required to pin-point accuracy on area of interest. Assist the radiologist in the performance of biopsies and catheter placements for the purpose of diagnostic treatment. -Assist physicians and other employees in the development and execution of research protocols and maintain records as necessary to validate the research project funding grant. -Advise radiologist of significant abnormalities that would require the ordering provider's immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing the respective CT procedure. -Review and apply, when directed, new developments in the field and recommend to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Work Schedule: Variable Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 554-57238-A 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: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g this part) English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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).] 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. DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. 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). Computed Tomography (CT): This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] Grade Determinations: GS-9 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. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: Must be ARRT (R) (CT) registered. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G-25 Dated December 13,2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting of 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying of 15-44 pounds; 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; 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. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Eastern Colorado HCS Denver 13611 E. Colfax Ave Aurora, CO 80045 US
• Name: Tanner Kudela
• Phone: 3032028271
• Email: [email protected]