Career Center

Summary

This position is in the Radiology Service at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center (RRVAMC). Occupant operates as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic radiographic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated.

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)
• 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)
• Exception for Non-Certified - Entry Level Candidates
• Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B)
• The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level
• This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician
• For grade levels above the entry level - the candidate must be certified
• Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment
• Loss of Credential
• An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• 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)
• Grade Determinations: In Addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-5 Experience or Education
• None beyond the basic requirements
• Assignment
• DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision
• The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity
• Deviations from regular procedures - unanticipated problems - and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help
• Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area
• Such duties are performed under closer supervision
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-6 Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-5 or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• Assignment: Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs - performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature
• They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards
• They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment
• DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologist in performing more complicated examinations
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• (c) knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-7 Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower graded level GS-6 that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that 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 - or successful completion of an advanced registry program - with certification - in addition to a 4 year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled
• Assignment: DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues
• Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and or general radiologic technology services
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study
• (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures
• (d) Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging system
• (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-8 Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower graded level GS-7 that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Assignment: Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level
• Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical records - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• (e) Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• 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-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The duties and responsibilities of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist include - but are not limited to - the following: Employee understands and complies with the laws - regulations - and industry standards which apply to their job functions and performs those functions with the highest standards of business integrity
• Performs routine radiographic procedures that may require utilization of contrast materials and sterile techniques including but not limited to general radiography - etc
• 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 performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract
• In the case of injected media - patient consent must be obtained
• Determines technical factors - positioning - etc. - to produce a high quality diagnostic image and confers with the radiologists to determine the requirements for non-standard exams that do not conform to established standard protocols
• Properly identifies the patient and the image
• Uses left - right and other markers when appropriate
• This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur
• The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical
• Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number
• Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and/or in the operating/surgical suites
• Responsible for providing quality diagnostic images for the surgeons and/or other professional staff on patients that are unable to receive imaging services within the radiology department due to patient incapacity or surgical requirement
• Use of portable x-ray equipment - mobile intensifier units and other equipment may be required to complete the requested procedure(s)
• Works with the radiologist - surgeon and/or other professional staff as a member of the radiographic team with the responsibility for anticipating technique factor difficulties - preparation of trays - preparation of contrast - supplying of required instruments and equipment (i.e
• sterile packs - gloves - syringes - etc.)
• Practices radiation safety (ALARA) in order to reduce exposure to the patients - employee - staff - and others
• Reducing exposure time - increasing distance and utilizing shielding (i.e
• lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead lined walls and collimation) will ensure compliance and minimize radiation exposure
• Responsible for wearing film badges in compliance with radiation regulations
• Responsible for explaining the procedure to competent patients in a manner that is understandable to the patient and includes what is to be done as well as any potential risks or hazards
• Responsible for inventory and stocking of all general radiography supplies and other related materials
• During an emergency the technologist may be requested to stay over or return to work to ensure proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient
• Performs and/or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure area is clean and sanitary
• Must report unsanitary conditions as well as equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m
• - 4:30 p.m
• with On Call Rotation Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
• 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 Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 40388F - 40389F - 40387F - 40175F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.