Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI

Summary

Employees at this level are above fully functional as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRT's in this position work primarily in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Position is that of a radiologic technologist operating the super conductive Magnetic Resonance Scanner (MRI), a highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire images.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

06/27/2024 to 07/10/2024

• Salary

$83,096 - $108,021 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 10

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Little Rock, AR 1 vacancy

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

None

• Job family (Series)

0647 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Not Required

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBST-12461232-24-AB

• Control number

797657700

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This job is open to

• Federal employees

• Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Federal employees

• Excepted service

Current excepted service federal employees.

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

1st Area of Consideration - current permanent Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System employees including satellites; 2nd Area of Consideration - current permanent Veterans Healthcare Administration employees; 3rd Area of Consideration - current permanent VA Nationwide employees; and 4th Area of Consideration - current permanent Federal employees of other Agencies

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Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

If you are NOT a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-12461233-24-AB.

The duties of the Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

• MRI in the Diagnostic Imaging service include but are not limited to:

MRI Scan:

• Performs a wide range of complex examinations using magnetic resonance imaging for patients at this medical center to provide diagnostic and functional imaging. These MRI examinations include but are not limited to: neuro - head (brain, sinus, iac, orbit), neck, spine; body - cardiac, abdominal, breast; extremity - bone and soft tissue.

• Programs examination protocols according to anatomy to be visualized, pathology indicated, as prescribed by a radiologist, selecting appropriate coil application and sequence parameters and options. S/he applies understanding of imaging parameters, and their affect on image quality, making necessary adjustments specific to each patient exam. The employee evaluates the need for additional sequences and consults the Radiologist. He/she advises the Radiologist of those examinations which require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination.

• Performs complex post processing and image manipulation and reconstruction to accomplish thorough diagnostic imaging, applying knowledge of vascular and visceral anatomy, functionality, and the effects of disease processes on these systems to obtain optimum visualization.

• Operates ancillary equipment and accessory devices in performance of MRI examination adhering to safety practices in the placement and operation of the devices and cables. This includes but is not limited to monitors, injectors, and biopsy devices.

• Performs patient safety screening using guidelines set forth in department and Medical Center policies and procedures regarding ferrous objects, medical devices interaction with magnetic fields, consulting publications when applicable. Applies screening criteria prior to contrast administration to determine associated risk, according to department policies on contrast administration.

Associated Duties:

• Assists in CT when available. The role in CT is supportive of dedicated CT technologists by assisting with documentation, contrast screening and administration, and patient handling.

• Interacts with the patient, explaining the procedures, positioning patients, providing immobilization devices and seeing to the comfort needs of the patient.

• Administers IV contrast under the direction of a Radiologist. Is knowledgeable of the effects and adverse reactions associated with contrast administration and monitors patient for signs of any reaction. Takes appropriate action if reactions occur, documenting reaction in CPRS and VISTA.

• Programs power injector for specific examination to be performed. Operates injector safely, according to established guidelines. Monitors patients for indications of complications such as IV infiltration. When complications occur, takes appropriate action and documents accordingly.

• Establishes intravenous access via butterfly or cannula for the purpose of contrast administration. Applies appropriate IV fluids to maintain access. Determines safety of existing iv fluids in conjunction with contrast media and acts accordingly. Documents, in CPRS, the administration of contrast media.

Work Schedule: Monday

• Friday, 8:00am

• 4:30pm, Rotating On-Call after-hours, weekends and holidays.

Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized

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.

Functional Statement #: 598-00533-F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.

• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

• You may be required to serve a probationary period.

• Subject to background/security investigation.

• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.

• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.

• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

• 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. This position does require advanced ARRT certification in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

• Education: Applicants must have 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).

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: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

• MRI, GS-0647-10

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.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

i. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.

ii. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.

iii. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.

iv. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.]

Preferred Experience: 1 year of MRI experience in present or past job; Required to have advanced registry in MRI through ARRT.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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• Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window

Learn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.