Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, Computed Tomography (CT)

Summary

This position is assigned to Fredericksburg VA Health Care System in Fredericksburg, VA and report directly to the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Service. Employees at this level are fully functional as a DRT, in both General Diagnostic X-Ray, and Computed Tomography sections, and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently.

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Duties

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• The CT Lead Technologist has overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of the Computed Tomography Imaging area. He/she will guide all the CT technologists within the Central Virginia VA Health Care System.
• The scope of responsibilities includes, but is not limited to, safety for patients, technologists, and providers. He/she will work with the radiologists to ensure protocols and image quality are adhered to at all times and assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction.
• Identifies and implements methods for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the CT department.
• Serves as a liaison affect to the overall operational services to the patients, families, staff and community. He/she provides advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both clinical and administrative matters.
• Participates with management officials and/or engineering personnel to develop qualitative and/or quantitative work standards. Evaluates work operations and reviews completed work and inspection reports to assure that standards are met. Coordinates and reports work operations to the supervisor.
• Has a broad knowledge of different modalities within the Imaging Service.
• Primary responsibility is the oversight of both clinical and administrative programs related to the performance of Computed Tomography (CT) examinations.
• Will perform Computed Tomography exams of the head, neck, spine, chest and body as required. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. Operates independently and without direct supervision, performing Computed Tomography examinations. The purpose of the work is to provide CT studies for doctors to use in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of defects and diseases.
• Accuracy and clarity of the studies directly affect the accuracy and reliability of the physician's diagnosis and treatment.
• Performs directly related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule : Monday-Friday, 8am - 4:30pm

Telework : Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : 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

Citizenship . Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)

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 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).]

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.]

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.

Functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs [at the GS-9 level and below]. Provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

Ability to provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work.

*Ability to resolve informal employee complaints.

*Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures.

Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.

Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice . To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.

Quality of Experience . Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.

Computed Tomography (CT) . This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter- relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.]

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements . The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds or over; moderate carrying 15-45 pounds; pushing, pulling, and reaching above shoulders up to 4 hours; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, standing, and/or sitting; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid not permitted in Zone 4); and speed in working. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

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:

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.

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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