This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: Performs routine radiographs, portable exams, fluoroscopy, and operating room imaging. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Schedules appointments, registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. The radiographer is qualified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. The radiographer must know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality; therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment. Utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the radiologist. Prioritizes exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate intervention. Coordinates patient preparation and transportation, if needed, for urgent and routine patients. Confers with radiologists/residents to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number, and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Advises radiologists/residents or referring physicians of examination completion. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Utilizes highly sophisticated equipment such as computerized tomography scanners, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. taking education, training, and available resources into account for appropriate usage. Performs all studies presented in the CT Department. This includes but is not limited to routine and specialty neuro, chest, body, musculoskeletal, and CTA imaging as well as interventional/specialty procedures (i.e. biopsies, aspirations, injections, bladder and rectal contrast administration, etc.). Works with the radiologist/resident as a member of the radiology team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists in the performance of exams, to include recommending appropriate contrast materials in order to achieve optimal diagnostic results. Must be continuously on alert for the patient's condition, the sterile field, and the supplies needed for each specific examination. The alertness of the technologist is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technical factor corrections, etc. Work Schedule: Variable Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact [email protected] for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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. 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), and7407(d). Grade Determinations:GS-9 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:(a) 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 (*): *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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Heavylifting (45 pounds and over); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (3 hours), Standing (3 hours); Both legs required; Both eyes required; Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of color; Hear (aid permitted); Mental and emotional stability required. Environmental Factors: Working closely with others; Working alone

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 VA Portland Health Care System 3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, OR 97239 US
• Name: Scott Newburn
• Phone: 208-422-1000 X7576
• Email: [email protected]