Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - General (R)

Summary This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General) position is located in the Diagnostic Imaging department within the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit - MI. This position is part-time at 32 hours per week. Position provides diagnostic radiologic services and performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. 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 only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy Certification: 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) Creditable Experience 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 nonpaid 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 identified in paragraph 2b above Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following experience must be met for the grade level of the position we are recruiting for: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-0647-08 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level Experience includes - but is not limited to - performing a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic and/or general radiologic technology services Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting and carrying (45+ lbs.) Moderate lifting (15-44 lbs.) Light lifting (under 15 lbs.) Heavy carrying (45+ lbs.) Moderate carrying (15-44 lbs.) light carrying (under 15 lbs.) straight pulling (.5 hours) pulling hand over hand (l hour) pushing (1 hour) reaching above shoulder use of fingers both hands required walking (7 hours) standing (7 hours) repeated bending (2 hours) ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Duties Performs a wide variety of diagnostic radiography exams under the direction of a physician Operates all radiographic equipment including general diagnostic - portable - fluoroscopic - and PACS related equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients in the Imaging Service Supports Radiologists and/or other medical officers - to produce high quality images for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions The duties and responsibilities of the DRT include but are not limited to the following: Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units - the chest unit and general diagnostic units and portable units Assists radiologists in the less complex fluoroscopic examinations Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP - cystogram - cholangiograms - fistulagrams and arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the-GI tract These procedures require the use of needles - syringes - renografin - barium - enema bags and drinking cups Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures Uses portable x-ray Units and a mobile intensifier unit that is located in Surgery to achieve these exams Upon request - operates the digital fluoroscopy unit in the endoscopy suite Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures Explains procedures and positions to patients for desired results Also - cushions and shields patients as appropriate Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions Administers contrast materials orally - by enema - or - in some circumstances - intravenously under close supervision Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and performs triage to prioritize Notifies radiologist if exam requires immediate attention Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient - staff - and self This is achieved by the use of lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls - and collimation The technicians to assure compliance to radiation regulations wear film badges The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 92081- A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr