Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography)

Summary

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Computed Tomography (CT), position is assigned to New Mexico Veterans Hospital, Radiology Services: Computed Tomography section within the Raymond G. Murphy VA Hospital. this is a facility is located in Albuquerque, NM. The DRT, CT Technologist, incumbent at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and is able to carry out the assigned tasks independently during varied shits and "on-call" time to provide 24 hour CT availability.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

03/13/2024 to 03/22/2024

• Salary

$79,693 - $103,600 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 9

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Albuquerque, NM

• 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

Other

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBSX-12289342-24-CR

• Control number

781330700

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This job is open to

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to current, permanent New Mexico VA Health Care System employees only.

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Duties

The Diagnostic Radiology Technologist (Computed Tomography): duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes.

• Technologist work under the supervision of the CT/IR Supervisor and rotates all responsibilities within the CT section.

• Incumbent works independently on most exams, but confers with Radiologists and the CT/IR Supervisor on more difficult problems.

• Knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination, and knowledge of change of systems and organs caused common medical and surgical diseases.

• Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis Extremities, 3D Reconstructions of CT, Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure.

• Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas, Run-Off's, include CT Cardiac Imaging (Cardiac trained technologists only) and CT Myelography utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis.

• Performs Interventional CT biopsy exams, microwave ablations, cryo ablations, and drain placements utilizing surgical sterile techniques.

• Incumbent will work with the radiologist/physician as a member of the surgical/CT Team, as he/she must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologist/physician and the performance of the exam.

• Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture.

• Technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self.

• Incumbent must properly identify patient by using his/her full name and full social security number and/or hospital name band.

• Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Technologist must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner by notifying Bio Medical Engineering through the telephone hotline, placing an electronic work order in (VISTA) and notifying a supervisor, so as proper attention is ensured to maintain the integrity of the equipment.

• Continually reviews new developments in the field of CT , which may require mandatory off-site training for new equipment training.

Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Telework: No, This position is not eligible for telework.

Virtual: No. This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 00000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): 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 examination.

• 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.

• 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). 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.

• 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).

• 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). 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:

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

Preferred Experience:

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 inter-relationship 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 aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.]

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 December 13, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G25

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulders; user of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. English Language Proficiency DTRs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C 7402(d), and 7407(d).

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

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

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

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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.