Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary

Incumbent is the designated General Radiologic Technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all gastrointestinal (GI) and fluoroscopic x-ray procedures, joint and pain injections, surgical radiographs, barium enemas, Upper GI's and general radiographs.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

09/16/2024 to 10/07/2024

• Salary

$69,015 - $89,718 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 8

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Spokane, WA 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

• Financial disclosure

No

• Bargaining unit status

Yes

• Announcement number

CBSV-12549644-24-MLY

• Control number

809848400

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This job is open to

• The public

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

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Duties

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

At the GS-8, full performance level of this position, Radiologists locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathologic conditions or lesions within the body. The position is located in Diagnostic Imaging Service at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, Spokane, WA. Duties will include:

• Responsible for maximizing utilization of fluoroscopic exam rooms. Identifies scheduled procedures for the following day and plans and coordinates activities around physician availability in order to maximize room effectiveness.

• Provides periodic written reports of accomplishments, statistical data for quality assurance, proposals for improved effectiveness, cost containment, state of equipment, and equipment needs to supervisor. He/she is expected to monitor and control wastage, maximize efficiency and the number of examinations performed without compromising quality standards.

• Assists the Radiology Supervisor in handling all complaints and requests from physicians and other hospital personnel for procedures included in this area. Works closely with other departmental personnel in coordinating and integrating departmental activities.

• Incumbent has administrative accountability for departmental supplies and equipment in his/her area. He/she anticipates needs for supplies and provides for them well in advance. This person makes minor equipment adjustments and repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. He/she also checks equipment for proper function prior to performing procedures. Finally, the incumbent is responsible for the state of equipment in this area at all times. The technologist must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner, including putting in electronic work orders. The incumbent must have the ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.

• Responsible for the clerk's checking with the nursing floors to ensure that patients scheduled for fluoroscopy are not delayed or cancelled for the following day because of lack of planning, preparation, or difficulty with patient delivery.

• Properly identifies patient images using computerized work list and left and right markers.

• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The incumbent must have knowledge of the patient's clinical record, diagnosis and laboratory results. The incumbent must have the ability to monitor the patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.

• Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.

• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technologist to assure compliance to radiation regulations. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. The incumbent must have knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to adjust as needed.

• The incumbent must be knowledgeable in Computerized Radiography (CR), Digital Radiography (DR) and be familiar with local PACS (Picture Achieving Communications System) and tele radiography. The incumbent will also be familiar with the use and operation of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

• Performs routine diagnostic x-ray procedures when required. Operates the digital fluoro unit in the endoscopy and surgical suite when assigned by supervisor.

• Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees, patients, staff, family, visitors and volunteers.

• Will be required to be on call for General Radiography and be included in Holiday rotation schedule.

• May be required to schedule patients into desired clinics.

• The incumbent must have knowledge of anatomy and physiology recognizing unusual images and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

• The incumbent will be required to prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance to State and Federal regulations.

• May be required to assist with clerical duties of the Diagnostic Imaging Department in times of decreased patient volume.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:30AM-6:00PM, rotating call

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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).

• 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), 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.]

• 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.

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:

GS-8

Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

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 record, 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.

Preferred Experience: One year experience with basic flouroscopic knowledge preferred.

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.

Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs), straight pulling (1+ hours), pushing (1+ hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking and standing ( up to 10 hours), repeated bending (2 hours), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid may be permitted).

Environmental factors: radiant energy, electrical energy, working around machinery with moving parts, working closely with others, working alone.

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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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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.