This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024. The first cut-off dates for referral of eligible applications will be 09/10/2024. All eligible applicants will be reviewed and referred to the hiring manager no later than 09/13/2024. Eligible applications received after 09/10/2024 date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

Duties

The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiology Technologist for Radiology Service at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. In this position the incumbent will perform routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures, digital radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams for diagnosis, and Interventional Radiologic procedures. This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (ADRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) position is assigned to Radiology Service within the Ralph H. Johnson VA HealthCare System. The ADRT (MRI) at this level performs routine to complex MRI examinations, and general radiology exam/procedures (as needed). The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to: Operates 1.5T and 3 Tesla Magnet Systems. Performs a variety of routine and complex MRI exams including but not limited to routine, vascular (peripheral, neurovascular), neuro (brain/spine), musculoskeletal, elastography and/or cardiac. Demonstrates knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and physiology as well as medical terminology. The incumbent must have specialized knowledge of the radiofrequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. Responsible to monitor the radiofrequency power delivered to tissue during an MRI examination is referred to as the SAR, expressed as watts per kg (W/kg). Responsible for setting up and positioning patients, providing immobilization devices, selecting proper technical factors on an individual patient basis, and operating the equipment. Performs post processing reconstructions when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Examinations are performed with or without contrast material based on imaging requisition and pre-defined protocols. Follows contrast policy in preparation and administration of contrast materials. Maintains competency with the loading, programming, and use of contrast power injectors. Performs venipuncture with proper intravenous catheter selection for contrast administration. Identifies and initiates treatment for extravasation of intravenous contrast. j. Recognizes signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to intravenous contrast and ability to initiate appropriate response. Understands and adheres to VHA Directives and facility/service policies related to MR safety and follows all regulations within the MR environment. Familiar with all MRI Zones. Maintains yearly competencies including MRT Level I and MRI Level II training. Screens all individuals (patients, staff, vendors) and equipment entering Zone III and Zone IV to ensure compliance with MRI safety protocols. Familiar with all MRI Safe equipment such as MR patient monitors, MR infusion systems, MR safe ventilators, stretchers and wheelchairs. Receives and identifies patients using at least two identifiers. Ensures selection and performance of correct patient, correct exam, correct protocol. Reviews MRI safety screening templates, MRI safety screening questionnaires and resolves any questions or concerns with patient, ordering provider and/or radiologist prior to scan. Researches implants and possible contraindications prior to patient entering scan room. Thoroughly explains procedures/exams and provides instructions to patients to ensure patient cooperation and optimal imaging studies. Ability to identify signs of claustrophobia and assist patients, as necessary. Total Rewards: Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Work Schedule: Variable Rotating Shifts/On Call/Rotating Holidays Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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 Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 534-56233F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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. English Language Proficiency: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, Paragraph 5a, requires that applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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 [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).] 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: GS-10 Grade Level Requirements: Applicants must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09), 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. 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. grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Additionally, employees who are qualified to work in the MRI modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.] The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issued and enforced. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification. Preferred Experience: None. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. 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, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices. Must also be able to speak, see and hear. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy. 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 Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 109 Bee Street Charleston, SC 29401 US
• Name: Trena O. Melvin
• Email: [email protected]