Serves as Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Picture Archive Communication System) in Radiology Service. West TX VA Health Care System serves Veterans in 33 counties across west TX & eastern NM which supports 6 VA outpatient clinics, 40-bed community living center & 40-bed domiciliary program. Provides PACS support in a full range of diagnostic radiologic procedures; radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, etc. Reports to Radiology Administrator.

Duties

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Duties include, but are not limited to: Serving as a liaison for the Office of Information and Technology (OI&T), Biomedical Engineering staff and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize imaging including distribution capabilities Developing methods and programs to evaluate, monitor and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems Serving as team leader in planning, developing and instructing users in the operation of PACS network elements, the integration of these with related systems and recommends corresponding upgrades Researching and/or analyzing problems, issues or program requirements supporting the functions of a digital imaging system Performing complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links necessary to interface with the HIS (Hospital Information System), Application Entity (AE) titles, individual and user group creation, and access management, system filters, exam code dictionaries, DICOM configuration testing, hanging protocols, voice file exchange and other duties associated with this position Ensuring compliance with all national and VA information and security requirements, including archiving of images to radiology PACS Working closely with the VISN 17 PACS Administrator and closely coordinating work with OI&T, the VistA Imaging Coordinator, the ISO, and Biomedical Engineering personnel Coordinating work with other Services and users of digital radiographic images throughout WTVAHCS Providing hands on instruction for new users of VistaRad, Vista Imaging Display and PowerScribe Voice Recognition (VR) dictation Responsible for maintaining security of the local PACS and Voice Recognition (VR) dictation/transcription system (currently PowerScribe 360), managing all PACS users, passwords and the protection and authorized distribution of patient information. Providing guidance, instruction, maintenance and trouble shooting in the daily operation of the WTVAHCS PACS, Voice Recognition dictation/transcription system, Nuclear Medicine Information System (NMIS), as well as the Radiology Information System (RIS) in the Veteran's Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) Serving as the specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital imaging acquisition, processing, display and storage, and in database management Providing guidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing the work of the team Working with other Services, as needed and all users of digital radiographic images and other digital imaging throughout the entire WTVAHCS organization as well as neighboring DoD facilities, affiliate facilities, and throughout VISN 17 Work Schedule: Fulltime, Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized 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. Functional Statement #: 51918-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Bargaining Unit position

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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Picture Archive Communication System (PACS), GS-10 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. The PACS technologist provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems. The technologist performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. The technologist coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. The technologist provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware. The technologist provides training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems. The technologist provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, etc. The incumbent may function as a DRT which may include complex modalities such as CT, MR, mammography, ultrasound, and/or IR. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation. Preferred Experience: PACS Certification (CPAS, CDIP, or CPSA (knowledge of DICOM and HL7)) Advanced Certification in Computed Tomography (CT) for minimum 3 years 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-10. Physical Requirements: heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; 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; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; 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.

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/.

Accreditation Information: 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).

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the JCERT or other accrediting agency website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Contacts

• Address George H O'Brien Jr VA Medical Center 300 Veterans Boulevard Big Spring, TX 79720 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]