AddressSummary The VA Western NY Healthcare system is looking for an Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist for the Imaging Service at the VHA WNY HCS and will complete assignments in the area of general Diagnostic Radiologic technology (R), general OR procedures and computed tomography (CT). Responsibilities General Radiologic Duties DRTs perform procedures, examinations, and prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized and digital radiography (CR/DR), and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS). The technologist properly identifies patient and type of contrast administered, timelines for any timed examinations, patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan and areas of interest. The technologist operates digital fluoro and the C-arm, performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology and performs all general radiology exams, providing proper explanation of procedures to patients and completes appropriate evaluations of medical records when applicable. Computed Tomography 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, cardiac CTAs and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; ability to interpret the examination request accurately, understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs, use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor 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. The technologist performs Interventional CT biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. The technologist prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT. This specialty requires knowledge of I STAT procedures and insert IV needles for administration of contrast material. The technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved by ensuring all policies and procedure are adhered to and maintaining knowledge in CT dose optimization. The technologist works with CT schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities. The technologist performs Interventional CT biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. The technologist prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT, to include CT Angiography and other exams. This specialty requires knowledge of I STAT procedures and insert IV needles for administration of contrast material. The technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved by optimizing technical factors and ensuring all policies and procedure are adhered to and maintaining knowledge in CT dose optimization. The technologist is competent and maintains all computed tomography protocoling requirements. The technologist works with CT schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments. Optimizes scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergent cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergent patient. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification in computed tomography (CT) to work independently. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Functional Statement #: 21U41-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for 5% recruitment incentive with a 3 year service period. 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 BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (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 from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. 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. This position requires advanced certification in Computed Tomography (CT). Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. 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: 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 References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. 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). 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.
