This position serves as the (Picture Archive Communication System (PACS)) for the Diagnostic Imaging Services (Radiology), Orlando VA Healthcare System. The PACS Technologist provides planning, guidance, instruction, maintenance, and troubleshooting for all aspects of the daily operations relating to the Picture Archiving and Communications Systems section. This position serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image processing, storage, and display.

Duties

The Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image processing, storage, and display and is responsible for training Radiologists/Physicians, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists, Clinicians, and other staff members in hardware/software applications needed to support Radiology PACS functions. The PACS Technologist duties include, but are not limited to: PACS Technologist duties - 75% Provides planning, guidance, instruction, maintenance, training, and troubleshooting in all PACS related systems/components. Provides first line, technical support, for image transmission, voice recognition, and image display errors within all imaging modalities. Initiates appropriate repairs when possible and instructs users in the proper operation or contingency processes. Initiates help tickets and/or work orders when the scope of work needed exceeds the on-site technical level. Investigates system malfunctions to determine the root cause of the issue. Defines and isolates specific issues using available diagnostic recovery techniques and initiates corrective actions. Monitors PACS and executes contingency operations in the event of planned and unplanned downtimes, disaster responses, or elevated security risk situations. Oversees all aspects of implementation of software and upgrades to the PACS system including VISN 8 primary and backup data centers. Set up PACS Workstations for Radiologists at all sites of care, including remote PACS Workstations. This includes the assembly, set up, configuration, calibration, and confirmation testing for all PACS related components including the actual workstation (desk), monitors/mounts, keyboards, mouse/touch pad, voice recognition system, and any additional PACS-related items requested by the end users. Monitors PACS, voice recognition, and other related systems including applications systems, network interface software, modality interfaces, and system administrative software. Evaluates system performance by utilizing various tools, capacity planning, and imaging maintenance to adjust system and operation parameters as necessary. Designs, implements, and maintains a quality control program for digital radiographic images to include, but not necessarily restricted to evaluation of image quality from modality to viewing monitor. Clinical Duties DRT - 25% Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a Radiologist/Physician. Operates digital, computerized, or conventional radiology equipment to carry out the diagnostic plan for patients. This may include fixed, portable, and surgical imaging equipment. Determines appropriate technical parameters; calculates the correct exposure factors of distance, time, kilovoltage (kV), and milliamperage (mA). Independently performs radiographic examinations of the head, trunk, spine, and extremities to assist in the diagnosis of injury or illness. As a team member with the Radiologist, the incumbent will perform fluoroscopy procedures, such as: Upper Esophagrams, Lumbar Punctures, Myelograms, Urethrograms, GI Procedures, Barium (Single/Double Contrast), and all other routine fluoroscopy procedures. Sets up the room and ensure sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast material, catheters, and other required supplies are present and prepared Provides intraoperative/post-operative fluoroscopy and diagnostic radiography as requested by the Operative Surgeon or appropriately credentialed Clinician. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Ad-Hoc Telework as determined by service Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 80746F, PACS Technologist Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized ***OCHCO Bulletin Subject: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated October 1, 2024. Although hybrid title 38 occupations follow title 5 Veterans' preference rules, as required by the Merit Systems Protection Board (Graves v. VA, 117 M.S.P.R. 697 (2012)), 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external applicants for appointments made during the fiscal year to hybrid title 38 occupations among those reported to have the largest staffing shortages.

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements for Picture Archive Communication System Technologist: 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: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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) is required. Certification - Radiology: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Grade Determinations for Picture Archive Communication System Technologist, GS-11: Experience. Candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-10) directly related o the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, PACS technologist, clinical program director, or an assistant chief radiologic technologist. Examples of experience for the PACS technologist at the GS-10 grade level includes, but is not limited to: provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems; performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control; coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors; provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware; 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; provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, etc. Additionally, the knowledge, skills, and abilities at the PACS Technologist GS-10 grade include: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)In addition to the experience listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes. Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and OI&T. Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems. Ability to lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements. Ability to perform complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links, AE titles, individual and user group creation and access management, etc. Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security. 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: Minimum of 3 years of experience as a hospital PACS administrator. 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-11. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy Lifting, 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying, 15-45 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 (hearing aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing lead apron for possibly long periods of time. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 for additional information.

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 Orlando VA Medical Center 13800 Veterans Way Orlando, FL 32827 US
• Name: Nikki Merkes
• Phone: 727-398-6661 X64156
• Email: [email protected]