Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mri/Mrso)

Summary
This position is located at the Southern AZ VA Healthcare System, Radiology Department, under the Diagnostic Imaging Service Line. The incumbent serves as the direct supervisor of the magnetic resonance imaging technologists (MRI) and as the magnetic resonance safety officer(MRSO). The incumbent reports to the Diagnostic Imaging Chief Technologist.
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
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Reviews all magnetic resonance imaging studies for accuracy, completeness, and technical quality.
• Reviews and assures MRI section meets accreditation.
• Coordinates the flow of patients through the MRI section by efficient assignment of work and maximum utilization of staff and MRI equipment. Expedites the examinations of acutely ill patients by communicating and working with Radiology staff, nursing, and radiologists. Works with other services to meet their imaging needs as well as from locations outside the radiology department/medical center.
• Performs MRI procedures in the MRI section when staffing levels require the incumbent to do so. As staffing dictates incumbent may be required to work off tours (PM, AM, Weekend, Holiday shifts). Ensuring that patient care is continued without delay or interruption.
• Plans in-service programs for technical staff based on parameters set by the Chief Technologist, Clinical Directors, or Diagnostic Imaging Service Chief.
• Oversees image transmission and acquisition process to ensure that all MRI images are transmitted into PAC's system appropriately.
• Performs QA on imaging equipment and assists the physicist as needed performing QA on all MRI equipment.
• Coordinates with Biomedical Engineering or QM technologist to schedule routine maintenance, repairs, and physicist evaluations.
• Practices hospital safety, infection control, universal precautions, and radiation safety in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental guidelines.
• Assesses and reviews requisitions with clerical staff and technologists, interacts with requesting physicians and radiologists regarding requests when necessary.
• Participates in the student/staff educational experience within the department as directed, serving as the student/training coordinator.
• Research and plans equipment purchases to meet needs of the department for end-of-life equipment or new technology to enhance image quality, workflow, or patient care needs.
• Performs evaluation of employees under their supervision, i.e. competency reviews, performance appraisals, and training requirements.
• Oversees image transmission and acquisition process to ensure that all MRI images are transmitted into PACs system, including CPT code reviews.
• Oversees Imaging Quality Assurance Program.
• Advises employees under their direct supervision of performance requirements. Keeps them informed of their progress in meeting these requirements. Holds corrective interviews with employees regarding inadequate performance or conduct. Conducts fact-finding investigations and works with Human Resource Specialists to ensure appropriate actions are taken when necessary.
• Deals with union representatives on matters involving action by an immediate supervisor. Implements provisions of personnel management programs where well-established procedures exist such as EEO, career development plans, departmental policy and procedures, award and incentive programs, grievance procedures and safety practices.
• Resolves conflicts within their jurisdiction as appropriate; refers problems to the Chief Technologist or Service Chief when necessary.
• Approves vacation and leave requests while maintaining adequate staffing levels.
• Ensures all staff are fully trained on imaging equipment.
• Coordinates shift coverage, room rotations, and monthly work schedule to ensure coverage and cross-training needs are met.
• May provide supervision on tours of duty other than normal 8am to 4:30pm tours.
• The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the image (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PACs (picture archiving) network. The incumbent is responsible for training staff to transmit images to offsite locations for after-hours reads.
• Ensures completion of all paperwork or computer data required by the diagnostic section.
• Participates in the compilation and analysis of data on section activities and services, prepares related reports.
• Ensures the monitoring of the activities within the diagnostic section and takes appropriate action as required to ensure their efficient and effective operation.
• Takes action to correct identified problem areas in a timely fashion within available resources or through identification of needs related to staffing and equipment.
• Coordinates repair of diagnostic equipment utilizing work orders submitted to Engineering.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Ad-Hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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:

• 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 (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• 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).
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Grade Determinations: Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) GS-11

• Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-10) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory Radiologic Technologist, [PACS technologist, clinical program director], or an assistant chief Radiologic Technologist.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*).

1. *Ability to organize work, set priorities, delegate tasks and responsibilities.
2. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers.
3. *Skill in assessing qualifications and abilities of current and prospective employees.
4. *Ability to consult with radiologist to develop standard and non-standard treatment/exam protocols.
5. Ability to independently perform general and specialized Diagnostic Radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.
6. Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area.
7. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones.
8. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issued and enforced.
9. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards.
10. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety.
11. Knowledge of overall radiology department operations, and the ability to judge effectiveness of the operation.
12. *Ability to monitor and evaluate subordinate supervisor's performance.
13. Knowledge of new and recent developments in the field.

Preferred Experience: 2 years of hospital-based MRI experience. Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer certification preferred, 1 year of experience a must.
References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate lifting and carrying, up to 44 pounds; straight pulling; reaching above shoulders; use of both hands and fingers required; walking, standing; crawling; kneeling; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted).
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
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.

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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; rel...