Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

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
• 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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT)
• 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).] 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)
• Must have advanced ARRT Computed Tomography (CT) certification
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GS-09) 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: [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]
• 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
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II Appendix G25, date December 13, 2019
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists
• Qualification Standard GS-0647
• VA Handbook/Directive 5005 this can be found in the local Human Resources Office
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: 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
• Work is performed in a health care setting
• Work may involve exposure to infection and possible contagious diseases
• Standard precautions and isolation techniques will be employed as indicated
• There is occasion where response to physical and/or verbal abuse by patients requires knowledge gained from ongoing violence in the workplace training
• Working conditions include: outside and inside work, exposure to radiant energy, constant noise (machinery/equipment), working around hazardous machinery with moving parts, working closely with others.

Duties

• Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for qualified applicants
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf At full performance level, the incumbent performs Computed Tomography procedures and examinations, with and without the use of contrast materials, to achieve diagnostic studies to assist Radiologist to establish diagnosis and treatment
• Major duties include, but are not limited to: Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body Performs routine radiographic exams Performs a spectrum advanced imaging examinations
• The type of examinations performed includes cardiac angiography, brain perfusions, and virtual colonography
• The technologist will perform technical work in support of Diagnostic Imaging under the direction of a physician
• Operates all computed tomography equipment, and assists the radiologist in biopsy, drainage, microwave ablation, and peripheral vascular procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients
• Performs peripheral and visceral CT Angiography of the neurological, cardiovascular, abdominal systems and extremities
• These angiographic studies include cerebral, renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc
• Performs retrospective reformatted images of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• Maintains proficiency on 3D reconstruction techniques
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all CT and angiography supplies and related materials
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams
• Rotates to different locations within NF/SG Diagnostic Imaging Service
• Subject to Call-back status and holiday coverage
• Work Schedule: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm, Monday - Friday / 8:00 am - 6:30 pm, Wednesday - Saturday / 8:00am - 6:30 pm, Wednesday - Saturday / 11:00am - 9:30 pm, Wednesday - Friday, 1:30pm - 12:00 am Saturday / 9:30 pm - 8:00 am, Saturday - Tuesday
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized to qualified applicants, Not to Exceed 20% for 2 year service agreement Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): May be authorized to qualified applicants, Not To Exceed 20% for 2 year service agreement EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN8CCoE@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of 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 Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Maybe authorized