Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography)

Summary

The Birmingham VA Health Care System, Diagnostic Imaging Service is seeking a full-time Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography) for the Birmingham VA Mammography Program.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be July 17, 2024, with subsequent cut-off dates until the position is filled.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

06/12/2024 to 09/30/2024

• Salary

$73,292 - $95,279 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 9

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Birmingham, AL

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

25% or less

• You may be expected to travel to Huntsville VA Clinic for this position.

• 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

CBTB-12441002-24-OCA-KDW

• Control number

795550200

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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 vacancy is open to US Citizens.

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Duties

The Mammography Technologist performs a variety of complex mammography radiographic exams on the patients of this Medical Center and Birmingham Annex. Technologist independently performs screening, diagnostic, appropriate supplemental procedures, breast localization/biopsy exams, and all aspects of routine diagnostic exams.

Typical duties include, but are not limited to:

• interviews patients for history of previous mammography, breast disease and breast invasive interventions, assesses mammography risk factors and medical history.
• obtain images of sufficiently high quality most useful to the interpreting radiologist, the technologist must evaluate the patient body habitus based on the patients age, size, condition of skin, contravening disabilities and previous breast augmentation of surgeries to determine proper exposure technique settings.
• positions patients accurately, applying knowledge of anatomy and imaging equipment, to provide optimal visualization.
• performs extensive quality control tests at frequencies required by public law.
• actively participates in collection of test data related to image quality, dose and half value layer evaluations through the use of breast phantoms requiring clinical images evaluated for positioning, compression, exposure levels, resolution, contrast, noise, exam identification and artifacts.
• reviews data and images with lead mammography physician, interpreting physicians, and medical physicist.
• attempts to obtain previous mammograms from the indicated facility as specified by the patient.
• maintains inventories of instruments, drugs, supplies, and emergency equipment and operating supplies used in breast imaging.

Work Schedule: Monday

• Friday, 8:00am

• 4:30pm. This is subject to change based on the operational needs of the agency.

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: FS 238

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

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

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), 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.]

• 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).NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.

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-9

To meet the requirements for the GS-09 grade level Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist do you possess At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-08) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.

• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.

• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.

• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.

• Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.

• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25

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

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking 6 hours, Standing 8 hours, Specific visual requirement: Ability to read typewritten characters with or w/o glasses, Specific hearing requirements: Ability to hear conversational voice with or w/o hearing aid, Emotional and Mental Stability.

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.