Career Center

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), Salem VA Healthcare System, Salem, Virginia, assigned to Diagnostic Imaging Service and serves as the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT). The DRT independently performs routine to moderately complex radiographic exams using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, direct digital units. 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. Individuals appointed under the authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA, must be proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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). Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet the following: GS-08: Experience. At east one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-07 that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignment: 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. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): (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. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0647. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Long periods of standing and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing/pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices (i.e. EZ-MAT). Near vision correctable at 13 inches to 16 inches to Jaeger 1 - 4 and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other is acceptable. Hearing aids are permitted. ["Assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations. Prepare and administer contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring oral and rectal contrast material (i.e. barium). Practice radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. Perform quality control of the images, assessing for proper exposure, positioning and annotation. Apply post-processing techniques such as window leveling, edge enhancement, brightness and annotation corrections as necessary to provide adequate and properly processed images. Register and edit patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. Properly identify the patient and the image, ensuring the patient ID and request are identical. Explain exams to patients so the patient has a clear understanding of procedure, hazards (if any) and instructions to follow (if applicable). Perform radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic images to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be examined in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures. Utilize appropriate CPT codes for exams performed and performs timely and accurate case editing for each exam. Supports, identifies and/or initiates performance improvement plans that utilize the facility model for quality improvement. Participate in identifying key aspects of care, developing strategies for improvement, and collection and analyzing data. Monitor performance of Radiologic Technologist students from affiliated training programs. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Work Schedule: 7:45 AM-4:30 PM Monday- Friday with rotating weekends, odd shifts and holidays.\nFunctional Statement #:000000\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]