Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

Summary The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI). The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) will function in Imaging Service. The 2‑page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information – refer to Required Documents below. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Completion of a full‑time training course of at least 24 months (or equivalent) in a post‑high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or associate degree accredited by JRCERT or other recognized agencies. Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology – Radiography (ARRT). 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 independent operation and demonstrated clinical competency in the appropriate specialty, with successful completion of the designated examination. In modalities requiring advanced certification, technologists without an advanced certification may receive on‑job training under supervision of a certified radiologic technologist. Grandfathering Provision may qualify current VHA employees who meet the criteria. Grade Determinations: Experience – at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position, demonstrating the required clinical competencies. Experience at the GS‑8 level may include: Ability to check system operation and assess performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patient’s clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient’s physiologic changes during procedures and inform the radiologist. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with patients, staff, family, volunteers, and visitors. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, cross‑sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s): balancing patient and staff needs while performing complex scans, gathering relevant information from medical records, assessing contraindications, knowledge of basic first aid and life support practices related to radiography, knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous techniques and universal precautions, and pre‑procedural, procedural, and post‑procedural care of patients. The full performance level of this vacancy is 9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 9. Physical Requirements Work requires walking, pushing, and lifting of patients and their respective transporting devices, patients’ records, and MRI scans, along with inputting data into the VISTA computer system, laundry, and other stocking items. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done with the help of other employees and lifting devices. Technologist must be aware of all who enter the MRI room and what they have on or in them, including monitoring equipment such as O₂ tank or IVAC pump. Incumbent must pass a pre‑employment physical and designated drug testing. Duties Schedule exams to optimize MRI equipment capabilities while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Prioritize scheduled patients while accommodating emergent patients who may need immediate attention. Determine best scanning parameters to optimize imaging technique. Coordinate with the radiologist and physicist to set ideal parameters for each patient procedure. Position patient within the examining unit, monitor during all phases, and remove after completion. Start IVs and administer MRI contrast to patients requiring monitoring for allergic reactions; work with anesthesia personnel for sedated patients, starting IV, positioning monitoring equipment, and post‑MRI procedures. Monitor MRI examinations by checking computations, performance, and results to obtain optimal diagnostic data and images. Perform clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer. Use PACS for image transmission to the radiologist. Maintain records and files of exams; edit exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Properly identify patient through the RIS interface identifier and ensure correct laterality marking. Verify patient information and request match, ensuring MRI patients are screened in advance for contraindicating conditions per Imaging Service policy. Explain exams to competent patients. Continuously review new MRI developments. Improve MRI exam quality by utilizing new techniques. Train new employees in established procedures, practice, and ACR guidelines. Provide written instructions, reference materials, and supplies to employees. Use hospital computers for patient reference and information; troubleshoot computer problems and report to the VA IT helpdesk. Check work in progress or perform spot checks; review completed work for compliance with supervisor or staff radiologist instructions. Establish interdepartmental partnership with the vascular department for procurement of vascular studies including abdominal and runoff exams; perform daily quality assurance tests. Archive MRI images and export them for permanent storage. Monitor performance of MRI and ancillary equipment; assist in calibration and troubleshooting malfunctions. Perform safety checks on patients, employees, and visitors to comply with Medical Center, OIG, VISN, and ACR safety standards regarding ferrous objects, cardiac pacemakers, etc. Observe and recommend working conditions such as seating, ventilation, lighting, safety, etc. Assist in preparing procedure manuals and devising or modifying procedures. Work Schedule Full‑time – 2nd Shift (2 p.m.–12 a.m.) Tuesday–Friday, with on‑call. Pay Competitive salary and regular salary increases. A higher step rate may be applied 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 or military service experience. Parental Leave After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave related to birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy After 60 days of employment – full‑time employees with total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible costs, up to a monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contribution by VA. Insurance Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Telework Availability Not Available. Virtual Position This is not a virtual position. Relocation & Incentives May be available for highly qualified candidates. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Functional Statement # 942510. Reference For more information on this qualification standard – please visit #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs