Career Center

Summary

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

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. As outlined in the VA Handbook 5005 Part II - Appendix G25. Must have advanced certification for CT.

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
• 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)
• 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)
• 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 for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08) - 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
• (a) [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: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• The technologist provides radiographic examinations in two areas: (1) CT examinations/procedures 75% (2) general radiography examinations/procedures 25%
• He/she is responsible for clinical and educational duties in both areas
• The technologist reports directly to Supervisory DRT (Chief)
• Provides support to physicians or other medical professionals in using diagnostic instruments - equipment - and accessories
• Equipment includes radiography unit (fixed and portable) - fluoroscopic unit (fixed and portable) - and power injectors
• Prior to conducting the examination - the technologist will provide patient education - confirm patient orders - review history - enter basic imaging protocols - download patient demographics - and ensure the image recording devices and network connections are viable During the examination the technologist will adjust imaging parameters to maximize image quality and to accommodate for the patient's body habitus and pre-existing pathology
• Notifies the Supervisory DRT (Chief) - radiologist - or appropriate health care professional of any situation in which prompt or immediate medical or surgical attention or intervention may be required
• The Technologist receives requests or instructions for procedures
• interprets requests or instructions from physician
• He/she understands and carries out the requests made by the physician or seeks assistance of the Supervisory DRT (Chief) or radiologist when an uncommon - unique - or new procedure is required
• The Technologist receives requests or instructions for procedures
• interprets requests or instructions from physician
• He/she understands and carries out the requests made by the physician or seeks assistance of the Supervisory DRT (Chief) or radiologist when an uncommon - unique - or new procedure is required
• The technologist will prepare contrast material used for patient examinations
• The technologist will administer or assist in the administration of contrast material as requested by the radiologist or surgeon
• The technologist monitors patient's condition and vital signs
• takes immediate action when patient's condition indicates undue stress - trauma or other adverse symptoms indicating onset of complications
• Work Schedule: The candidate should expect to work during any of the of the following tours of duty: Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday 3:30pm to 12:00am Monday through Friday 12:00pm to 8:30pm Monday through Friday 12:00am to 8:30am Saturday through Sunday 8:00am to 8:30pm with two days during the week 12:00am to 8:30am Saturday through Sunday 8:00pm to 8:30am with two days during the week 12:00am to 8:30am Specifics can be discussed during the interview process
• Subject to change per needs of the facility
• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact Sue Bringel at susan.bringel@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more