Summary

Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Computed Tomography (CT). The employee functions as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) within the Radiology Department of the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.

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
• - You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)
• Education Requirement - You must have completed 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)
• Certification
• All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• 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
• 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 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
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]
• 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
• Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures
• At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity
• Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes
• ii
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures
• iii
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment
• iv
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.] Preferred Experience: CT Certification Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting
• Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items such as cassettes
• When performing special procedures, he/she must wear a protective lead apron weighing approximately five-nine pounds
• The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients
• Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions
• Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

Duties

• VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
• This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
• This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Major Duties: Complies with VHA regulations and various accreditation(s) and enforces compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Privacy Act
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
• local, state, and federal laws/regulations, processes, procedures and prepares for accreditation or other similar inspections
• The technologist interprets the requests or instructions from the Radiologist or clinician
• Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations and works independently
• Follows departmental Policy and Procedure Manual
• The technologist understands and carries out the requests made by providers or seeks assistance of the Supervisor or Radiologist when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is required
• Maintains adequate supplies
• Responsible for stocking, and inventory of all supplies, notifying supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance
• Performs image reconstructions and post processing procedures on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study
• Maintains proficiency on reconstruction techniques
• Performs additional image processing such as loading and unloading cassettes on CR digitizers, adjusting image quality, providing additional reformats when necessary or upon request, and printing images when required to provide adequate and properly processed diagnostic imaging examinations
• The employee has thorough knowledge of diagnostic radiologic procedures, radiation protection standards, devices, and techniques including concept of accumulated dosage
• the effects of x-ray techniques on patients and operator exposure to assure that adequate safeguards are maintained, to recognize when changes of equipment or procedures might result in increased exposure
• The technologist is responsible for ensuring that they have a proper working knowledge of the PACS system
• This includes ensuring that all images are transmitted correctly
• The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures
• Work Schedule: Various shifts, including weekends/on-call Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized 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) 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 #: 92751-0 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized