Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Mammography

Summary This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Mammography Technologist position is assigned to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center - Radiology Service - Mammography section within the facility. Qualifications 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: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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 recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) Licensure/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 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) Mammography (M) The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with – and adhere to – all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography – radiation safety – and quality assurance requirements Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification Grade Determinations: 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 Grade Determinations: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities In addition to the experience above – candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSA's 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 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) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09 Responsibilities This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of breast imaging examinations including Quality Assurance (QA) – Quality Control (QC) – mammography and extensive knowledge of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), VHA certification in mammography, ACR accreditation in mammography, tomosynthesis, and image-guided procedures When needed – the incumbent will have significant administrative duties – including the performance and documentation of QC required to maintain compliance with all QC and QA requirements as per VHA policy, FDA/MQSA regulations, and ACR standards in mammography, tomography, breast ultrasound, and image-guided procedures When needed – the incumbent assists with organizing and managing a comprehensive QA/QC program within the breast imaging section and assisting the department at annual FDA/MQSA inspections When needed – the incumbent works closely with technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum QC, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction When needed – the incumbent assists with ensuring all personal certifications and qualifications are continuously monitored and kept up-to-date as required by the accrediting bodies When needed – the incumbent assists with tracking and coordinating annual and semi-annual equipment inspections and preventive maintenance with Biomedical Engineering and reviews and acts upon their recommendations Mammography: The incumbent is responsible for the performance of a variety of complex mammography radiographic exams These include – but are not limited to – screening and diagnostic mammography exams The incumbent is responsible for the quality and quantity of imaging examinations – and for ensuring proficiency and compliance of staff to all service, facility, and accreditation standards for breast imaging Work Schedule Full Time: 7:00am–3:30pm, 7:30am–4:00pm, 8:00am–4:30pm, 8:30am–5:00pm, or 9:00am–5:30pm (subject to change). Weekends and holidays as required. Benefits Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year (13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with a birth, adoption, or foster care placement Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible childcare costs (maximum $416.66 per month) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(K) with up to 5% contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care – many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement Telework: Not available; this is not a virtual position #J-18808-Ljbffr