Employees at this grade level are qualified as radiological technologist with advanced experience and serves above the full-performance level. The incumbent operates equipment both mobile and fixed radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment and assists the radiologist/physician in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. The incumbent performs a variety of moderate to very difficult radiographic examinations and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure.

Duties

Major Duties: Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms and fistulagram and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. (In the case of injected media, a patient consent form must be obtained, when indicated.) These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, barium, and enema bags. These contrast materials and the radiographer must know their effects and adverse reactions. 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. Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of Radiology. Independently makes standard examinations. Confers with radiologists to establish requirements of nonstandard examinations and determines technical factors, positioning, to satisfy the requirements. Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representative. Assist with training rotating x-ray students affiliated with St. Mary's School of Radiologic Technology. Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. A register, requests, cancels, and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS). Properly identifies patient films using two identifiers, and L & R markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of films to patients does not occur. The radiographer must be certain patient identification and the request are identical. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self This is achieved by the appropriate use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, collimation and distance management. Film badges are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations and guidelines of the state. Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the cardiac system. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department. Prepares room, equipment and contrast materials (if necessary) as needed for patients. Cleans and changes linen as needed. Attends inservices, departmental meetings and committee meetings, as assigned. Works holidays on a rotating basis and covers shifts on the emergency call-out schedule. Responsible for working irregular tours when assigned and when ample notice can be given from Management. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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.

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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic Radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology. Certification: Must be certified in general Radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)(R). English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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). Grade Determinations: 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. AND, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: *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. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The vacancy is being announced above the full performance level as a GS-09. Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 40 lbs, light carrying under 20 lbs, ability to reposition patients, use of fingers and both hands required, walking 2 hours, standing 2 hours, both eyes required for depth perception, ability to distinguish shades of color, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability, near and far vision of 20/40 or better (corrective lenses permitted)

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 Huntington VA Medical Center 1540 Spring Valley Drive Huntington, WV 25704 US
• Name: Mewael Teklehaimanot
• Phone: 4106057000
• Email: [email protected]