Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist

Summary

The technologist serves as a liaison for the Office of Information and Technology (OI&T), Biomedical Engineering staff and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize imaging including distribution capabilities; develops methods and programs to evaluate, monitor and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems; developing, and instructing users in the operation of PACS network elements, and the integration of these with related systems.

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Duties

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VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist:

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Responsible for maintaining security of the local PACS and Voice Recognition (VR) dictation/transcription system (currently PowerScribe 360), managing all PACS users, passwords, and the protection and authorized distribution of patient information. The incumbent provides guidance, instruction, maintenance, and trouble shooting in the daily operation of the EPVAHCS PACS, Voice Recognition dictation/transcription system, as well as the Radiology Information System (RIS) in the Veteran's Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA). The incumbent serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital imaging acquisition, processing, display, and storage, and in database management. The incumbent will provide guidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing the work of the team. The incumbent works with other Services, as needed, and all users of digital radiographic images and other digital imaging throughout the entire EPVAHCS organization as well as neighboring DoD facilities, affiliate facilities, and throughout VISN 17.

Knowledge of the principles of image management, image archiving, communication systems, and imaging information management systems. Knowledge of basic DICOM & HL7 classes and database concepts. Knowledge of PACS system software and functionality as it pertains to Imaging facility-wide and VISN-wide applications for current processing and future applications enhancements preferred. Develop contingency plans during equipment downtimes. Develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems. Lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements. Perform complex system functions such as oversight of RIS (Radiology Information System), AE titles, individual and user group creation, and access management, etc. Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation.

This position may independently function as a DRT, which includes complex modality such as CT, MR, US, and Bone Densitometry

Identifies and determines training priorities, conducts, and administers training programs, develops and improves training guidance. Provides training to radiologists, residents, technologists, and staff in proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software and in the use of PACS, VISTA, CPRS and voice recognition software. Establishes and conducts training for all users affected by the applications both within and outside the Service, ensuring effective operation and utilization of applications for users. Coordinates with Clinical Application Coordinators (CAC's) in training and development of instructional materials for display of radiographic images at clinical workstations as well as any other identified needs for Imaging service and other services throughout EPVAHCS.

****Duties Continued in Qualifications Section****

Work Schedule : Monday - Friday; 7:00am - 3:45pm

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

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 total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 .

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework : Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 55805-F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

****Duties Continued****

Designs and maintains a quality control program for digital radiographic images to include, but not necessarily be restricted to, evaluation of image quality from modality to viewing monitor. Reports all QA activities and the findings of such activities to the Chief of Staff as well as the Radiology Chief. This program will meet the intent of the American College of Radiology and Joint Commission standards. Develops methods for the collection and retrieval of computer information from established systems to enhance analysis of program related data. Follows all safety/fire prevention rules and regulations, using protective equipment when required or provided.

Assists in assessment and procurement of new imaging equipment as well as system upgrades. Identifies problems, gathers data, performs analyses, and proposes solutions to problems and barriers to establishment of an efficient, cost-effective film-less imaging environment. Provides analysis of user needs and recommends appropriate hardware and software solutions.

Schedules, monitors, and reviews all outside vendor services, to ensure appropriate, quality workmanship in a timely fashion. Acts as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for assigned contracts relating to Imaging Services and digital imaging. Must be able to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate techniques and methods employed by outside Field Service Technicians (or engineers) and resolves any conflicts that may arise. Works in conjunction with manufacturer's representatives to perform complex repairs as needed. Coordinates with vendors in providing PM, repair, and/or parts for assigned equipment covered under a service contract.

Maintains communication with vendors, Vista Radiology developers and other sources to ensure that working technical knowledge is always current. Keeps abreast of image-related computer software developments and applications packages throughout the VA and the community as well as current developments in operating systems, imaging systems, database management systems, and equipment related to hardware used by Vista Radiology, Vista Imaging, commercial PACS, and voice recognition systems. Fully supports PACS workflow to ensure the efficient storage, display and manipulation of DICOM images within the enterprise PACS

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, 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).
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

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 : Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist GS-10

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.

Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist. The PACS technologist provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems. The technologist performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. The technologist coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. The technologist provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware. The technologist provides training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems. The technologist provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, etc. The incumbent may function as a DRT which may include complex modalities such as CT, MR, mammography, ultrasound, and/or IR.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's).

i. Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems.

ii. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control.

iii. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors.

iv. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality.

v. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system.

vi. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation.

Preferred Experience:

• Proficient in computer software (PACS)
• Experience working as a Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist
• Experience coordinating with OI&T and Biomedical Engineering on PACS workflows and system issues
• Experience supporting imaging across multiple modalities (R, CT, MRI, US, BD, Vascular)

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. he actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.

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: 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:

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by JRCERT Find a Program - JRCERT or a body that is recognized by the US Department of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the websites, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for 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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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