Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval determines the award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) after a complete review of the EDRP application. 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. 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) Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT) 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 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) Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist – GS‑9 Grade Determinations: 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 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 (*): • Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures • Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record – significant others – and health care providers • Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure • Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography • Knowledge of physical assessment – aseptic techniques – intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions • Knowledge of pre‑procedural – procedural – and post‑procedural care of patients Preferred Experience: The applicant must be an ARRT‑certified DRT with additional certification in CT Ideally – they should have at least 3 years of experience References: VA Handbook 5005/119 2019 PART II APPENDIX G25 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 Exceptions: A pre‑placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government‑owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre‑placement examination by virtue of another policy – regulation – or statute. Duties Determine technical factors – positioning – number and thickness of scans – etc. – to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention Must be able to use commercial PACS to correctly send patient information and images to an outside teleradiology contractor Be able to correct minor problems as they arise Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT and other exams Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality – therefore it is essential that a thorough understanding of contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it Must be continuously on the alert to the patient’s condition and other disorders Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient Starts IVs for contrast administration Completes mandatory training to start IVs for administration of intravenous contrast material Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self Uses lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead‑lined walls and collimation Film badges are worn by the technologists in compliance with radiation regulations Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients Includes registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system Properly identifies patient images – essential to prevent mistaken identity Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number Responsible to explain exams and consent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as any hazards Continually reviews new developments in the field of and computerized tomography Seeks to improve quality of exams utilizing new technologies available to provide the best possible scans for diagnostics Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus) and Relocation incentive: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) – Authorized EDRP – Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive Contact View email address on click.appcast.io – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Higher step rates may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs. 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 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 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/long‑term care coverage may be carried into retirement. Telework: Not available; virtual position not offered. Functional Statement #: 0647 GS‑9 – Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) Permanent Change of Station (PCS) – Authorized Bargaining Unit: Yes #J-18808-Ljbffr