The VA Western NY Healthcare system is looking for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist for the Imaging Service at the VHA WNY HCS and will complete assignments in the area of general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), general OR procedures, ultra sound sonography and X-Ray.

Duties

General Duties DRTs perform procedures, examinations, and prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized and digital radiography (CR/DR), and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS). The technologist properly identifies patient and type of contrast administered, timelines for any timed examinations, patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan and areas of interest. The technologist operates digital fluoro and the C-arm, performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology and performs all general radiology exams, providing proper explanation of procedures to patients and completes appropriate evaluations of medical records when applicable. Ultrasound Sonography Technician must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. The diagnostic medical sonographer is able to obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results; perform appropriate procedures and record anatomical, pathological, and/or physiological data for interpretation by a provider; record and process sonographic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting provider. Within this specialization, there is a diverse range of ultrasound imaging sub-specialties and procedures the sonographer is responsible for based on protocols and competency assessment. These include: 1) diagnostic medical sonography - abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic, [musculoskeletal (MSK), a breast; and 2) limited vascular sonography-arterial and venous doppler, spectral analysis, and calculating ankle brachial index (ABI)]. The sonographer will assume on call responsibilities, holiday coverage and variable tours as defined by department policy. Quality and Safety for Imaging The technologist performs daily inspection of radiographic units to ensure proper mechanical functionality. The technologists must be aware of and practice safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities. Technologist must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner through the vha buf 114 equipment email group or nursing supervisor on non-administrative hours if patient care is impacted. Proper attention is required to maintain the integrity of the equipment. The technologist maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) that document the process and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME and follow established procedures for all RME for appropriate modalities. The technologist provides in-service training to other technologists and students involved in the operation and maintenance of DR panels and other PACS operations maintained within the department. The technologist works with physicists to ensure compliance with radiation and Magnetic Resonance Imaging safety program. The technologist maintains accurate records to include fluoroscopy logs for quality assurance analysis, quality control, performance improvement, and other related purposes. Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines, properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization, positioning, required views, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging. Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace. The technologist maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients where applicable. This includes the maintenance of electronically secured spreadsheets, registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system and ensuring all images and required paperwork is properly filled out and scanned in to the PACS system, in the correct orientation and on the correct patient. Work Schedule: Variable Days; On-call required Travel Requirement: 25% Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:21U41-A

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced certification in ULTRASOUND is REQUIRED for this position. 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). Ultrasound ([Diagnostic/Vascular] Sonography) (S) Positions should be assigned to the DRT, GS-0647 series, when both ultrasound and other modalities which require the delivery of ionizing radiation are performed. Positions in which ultrasound duties are performed exclusively (no other modalities are performed), should be assigned to the medical instrument technician, GS-0649 series, since ultrasound duties solely do not require the delivery of ionizing radiation. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The practitioner must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. Within this specialization, there is a diverse range of ultrasound imaging sub-specialties. These include: 1) diagnostic medical sonography - abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic, [musculoskeletal (MSK), a breast; and 2) vascular sonography-arterial and venous doppler, spectral analysis, and calculating ankle brachial index (ABI)]. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. 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. Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Assignment. DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology 7 and/or general radiologic technology services. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. ii. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. iii. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. iv. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-8 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments: Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. ii. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. iii. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. iv. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. v. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. vi. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist,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: 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 (*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: 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 VA Western New York Healthcare System 3495 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 US
• Name: Shannon Wright
• Email: [email protected]