Job Description:

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 This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until July 23, 2024. The first list of eligible applicants will be pulled for referral on 5/6/2024 and then every other Wednesday until the closing date of the job posting or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. 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: Be a citizen of the United States • (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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.] *Note you must provide a copy of your current, active certification in your application packet for consideration • 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 you must provide a copy of your transcript(s) in your application packet for consideration • [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation • 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) • Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must also be met • GS-9: Experience: You must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-8, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level • This includes being qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services • Examples include, but is not limited, to the following: checking system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; having knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; monitoring patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keeping the radiologist informed; using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; and, having knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest • In addition to the above, you must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures • Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers • *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure • Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography • Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions • Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients • Computed Tomography (CT): This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations • The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspect of interest to the physician • (CT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (CT) certification.) References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part 2, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9 • Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking • There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs • Patient mental status and physical habitus will require the incumbent to be able to assist patients during transfer that is required of examinations • Specific vision abilities required by this job function include but not limited are close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Duties "Duties include, but are not limited to: Performs all Computerized Tomography and general Radiography protocols with and without the use of contrast materials Advises Radiologists or referring physicians of examination results when necessary; notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention Ensures quality and quantity of radiographic exams are performed in order to assure a high level or acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs Explains exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. Maintains sterility of power injector and ensures that all air has been removed prior to the injection Works with the Radiologist as a member of the radiographic team; assists and anticipates the needs of the Radiologists and the performance of the exam Prepares contrast materials: When these contrast materials are used /performed the technologist must know the effects and reactions to the contrast Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the Radiologist, or as part of a given study Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and is able to make minor repairs and or adjustments Must be proficient with the department's computerized Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: 10:00 a.m. - 06:30 p.m. Monday - Friday with rotating weekends and holidays EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact the Compensation Center of Excellence at for questions/assistance. Learn more Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91768-0 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"