This position is position is within the James E. Van Zandt, Radiology Department. Incumbent operates with minimal supervision in the performance of all diagnostic and enhances radiologic procedures (General, CT, Fluoroscopy, Mobile C-arm and DEXA).

Duties

Major duties and responsibilities include, but may not be limited to: Prepares and adequately explains radiology procedures to patients for both general and enhanced diagnostic radiology testing tb include complex procedures. Prepares contrast material and consent for enhanced procedures under the direction of the radiologist. The technologist understands and is aware of the effects and reactions of contrast and radiation exposure. Is a first responder in the event of a reaction to contrast media. Performs routine QC measures independently and responsible for radiology quality assurance. Is responsible for any back-up analog film/screen processing systems and film libraries. Accountable for high quality radiographs consistent with staff/contract radiologist and ACR standards. Appropriate markers are used to adequately annotate images. Keeps abreast of technological advances in radiology through appropriate CE studies and/or VA approved studies. Practices-radiation-safety-measures-accepted-by national and-local VA policy and the radiologist. Radiation safety measures include measures-to reduce exposure to patients and staff when appropriate. Film badges are a requirement and, when possible, worn at collar level at all times. Troubleshooting and reporting equipment malfunctions to the radiology supervisor. Must be current in iMed consent practices and train as necessary. Interprets radiology requests for procedures and performs· procedures as appropriate. Consults with the radiologist and alters tests as necessary to accommodate the patient's individual medical needs and body habitus as necessary. Must plan, decide and execute own judgement skills to work independently during normal tour of duty hours and off tour. Coordinates patient throughput with other staff and providers utilizing suitable scheduling and record keeping mechanisms. This includes the RIS, Vista, and other electronic and non-electronic methods to track patient diagnostic radiology procedures. May be required to work evenings/nights, on-call schedules, rotating shifts, extended hours, weekends, holidays and/or other schedules common to hospital operations. On-call 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. Performs other duties as required. 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 require 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. Work Schedule: 2:00pm - 10:30pm, various days of the week, with rotating holidays and on-call periods required. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized 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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. 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 #: 000000 / DRT Advanced Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

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). 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). English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs): 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: 1-year of CT experience is preferred, but not required. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 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 individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, standing up to 6 hours, wearing PPE (Lead Apron) up to 6 hours, bending, transferring. stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.

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 James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard Altoona, PA 16602 US
• Name: Lawrence Guidry
• Email: [email protected]