Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Out-Patient Clinic (Opc)

The Phoenix VA Health Care System is recruiting for one (1) Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Out-Patient Clinic (OPC). This position is primarily located at the Phoenix 32nd Street VA Clinic but can be partially assigned to the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist is responsible for performing routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures.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. 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. Advanced certification indicates that the applicant can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. [A copy of the certification must be submitted with application package].
• Education. Applicant must have completed a full-time training course of at least 24 months in a 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). [Transcript(s) must be submitted. Unofficial transcript(s) are acceptable at the application stage.]

Applicant 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: In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
GS-6 Experience: Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging.
In addition to the experience above,, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
3. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
4. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
5. Ability to learn basic computer functions.

Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations.
GS-7 Experience:Applicants must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled.
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
2. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
3. 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.
4. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
5. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.

Assignment. DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services.
GS-8 Experience:Applicants must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

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.
Please make sure that your experience is evident in your resume. Please make sure your resume contains hours worked per week, and beginning and ending month and year, for each work experience entry, or else your resume will be considered incomplete, and you will be considered "ineligible" for the position.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-08.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25- Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.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/.Employment Type: FULL_TIME