Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary

Incumbent is the designated radiology technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations and fluoroscopic x-ray procedures for the STVHCS.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

03/14/2024 to 04/01/2024

This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

• Salary

$54,292 - $70,578 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 8

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Victoria, TX 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

Other

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CAZM-12331285-24-YM

• Control number

781516900

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This job is open to

• The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens. Current permanent Federal employees must apply to announcement: CAZM-12331284-24-YM.

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Duties

Incumbent coordinates workflow, determining priority of examinations and ensuring workload completion. Performs a variety of radiographic examinations such as routine, difficult, and complex studies in department as well as OR and on the wards/units. Receives the patient, explains the method of procedure, ensures patients are properly attired and prepared before positioning patients for exam, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure. In performing these duties, the incumbent is responsible for the following:

• Performs standard radiographic examinations for diagnoses of illness and injuries.

• Performs procedures as defined by the equipment and scope of services, possibly including GI and small bowel series, cholecystograms, cholangiograms, urethorograms, barium and air contrast enemas, myelograms, arthrograms, venograms, DXA Scans, and contrast injections as it correlates to exam.

• Correlates clinical history, pertinent clinical data and other ancillary diagnostic examinations to obtain radiographic images of optimal value.

• Assists radiologist in fluoroscopic examinations which require incumbent to prepare and administer intravenous, oral, and/or rectal contrast media. Fluoroscopic studies such as upper GI's, barium enemas, esophagrams and small bowel follow through are performed on a digital fluoroscopy unit employing direct digital radiography.

• Assists in training employees and student technologist, coordinates radiation safety, receives patients and explains procedures, prepares x-ray room and equipment; performs portables, OR procedures, emergency room (Triage), and recovery room.

• Maintains records of patients examined, and studies performed.

• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate these more urgent requirements.

• Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, is possible. Incumbent may be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

• Properly identifies patient images using left and right markers. The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.

• Performs operator maintenance on equipment.

• 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.

• Performs quality control/assurance checks on studies performed to ensure that only optimally diagnostic images are forwarded to the radiologist(s) for interpretation.

• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self.

• Technologist is responsible to perform on call duties to include after hour tours, weekends, and holidays.

• Is familiar with PACS, providing adequate and proper radiographs.

• Performs clerical duties to include, but not limited to, registering patients' examinations in VISTA, as well as file room duties such as making CD's for patients as requested and sending exams to NTP.

• Maintains current knowledge of the developments in the filed of allied health sciences as related to Radiologic technology and maintains current ARRT registration.

VA Careers

• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

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

Work Schedule: Monday

• Friday 8:00 a.m.

• 4:30 p.m.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): 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)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 #: 000000

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.

• 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

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 (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 other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).

• Grandfathering provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of the applicable qualification standard (12/13/2019) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation.

• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).

Creditable Experience:

• Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.

• Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.

• Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.

Grade Determinations:

GS-08:

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. (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 radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.)

• Assignments. 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:

• 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.

Preferred Experience: Two or more years of Radiographer experience.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0647 Veterans Health Administration December 13, 2019.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling (2 hours); Pushing (4 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (4 hours); Kneeling (2 hours); Repeated bending (2 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Hearing without aid; Mental and emotional stability.

Education

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

Accreditation Information: 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. Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) Accredited Educational Programs (jrcertaccreditation.org) or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov).

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

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

Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

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.