This is an open continuous announcement and applications submitted prior to February 10, 2022 will be pulled and rated for referral. Further ratings will occur every two weeks thereafter until position is filled. Once a selection has been made, no further candidates will be rated/referred unless further vacancies occur. This announcement may be canceled at any time. 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. Must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)(R). NOTE: Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic ARRT certification requirements. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies recognized by the Department of Education. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA policy. 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: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-5: Entry level applicant and have no education or experience beyond those listed in the basic qualifications requirements. GS-6: Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade 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. Qualifying experience would be at the basic level operating and monitoring commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision, functioning somewhat independently in carrying out standardized procedures of limited complexity, and would refer to the supervisor for deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-7: Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level (for a total of 2 years of DRT experience) OR the successful completion of 1 full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Qualifying experience would include performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature, explaining exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards, troubleshooting equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment, reporting major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives, and assisting higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures. Knowledge of the function of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills. GS-8: Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level (for a total of 3 years of DRT experience). Qualifying experience would include independently performing a substantially full range of duties but receive occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues and providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - a physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. ["Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, the chest unit and general diagnostic units. The duties described are for entry level radiologic technologist. The primary duty location is at the Palo Alto Division; to include outpatient clinics in Modesto, Monterey, San Jose, Livermore, Stockton, and Fremont. Assist radiologists with less complex fluoroscopic examinations. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms fistulagrams and arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. In case of injected contrast media, a patient consent form must be obtained. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, renografin, barium, enema bags and drinking cups. Incumbent is responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technicians to assure compliance to radiation regulations by wearing film badges. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Incumbent will perform darkroom procedures such as loading and unloading CR cassettes, and operating the CR reader image processor in order to provide adequate and proper processed images. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical. Responsible for explaining exams to patients so that he/she understands what must be done as well as any potential hazards. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures. Operate a variety of portable x-ray Units and a mobile intensifier unit that is located in Surgery to achieve these exams. Upon request, operates the digital fluoro unit in the endoscopy suite. Work Schedule: Various tours of duty which may include day, evening, nights, and weekends.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]