Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Mammography

Summary This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Mammography Technologist position is assigned to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center - Radiology Service - Mammography section within the facility. 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. 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 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 recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). Licensure/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, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on‑the‑job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist. Mammography (M) is a required specialty. The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with and adhere to all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification. Grade Determinations: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position is required at the GS‑08 level. Demonstrated Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities: 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. 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). The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑09. Physical Requirements: Typical for the occupation; may require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Office/clinic setting with minimal risks requiring normal safety precautions; area adequately lit, heated, and ventilated; requires ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. Duties Perform complex mammography radiographic exams, including screening and diagnostic examinations. Maintain the quality and quantity of imaging examinations and ensure proficiency and compliance of staff with all service, facility, and accreditation standards for breast imaging. Assist in implementing and documenting quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures required to maintain compliance with VHA policy, FDA/MQSA regulations, and ACR standards in mammography, tomography, breast ultrasound, and image‑guided procedures. Assist in organizing and managing the comprehensive QA/QC program within the breast imaging section and support the department during annual FDA/MQSA inspections. Collaborate with technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum QC, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction. Ensure all personal certifications and qualifications are continuously monitored and kept up‑to‑date as required by the accrediting bodies, including continuing experience and educational experience required by MQSA for all breast imaging personnel. Assist in tracking and coordinating annual and semiannual equipment inspections and preventative maintenance with Biomedical Engineering, and review and act upon their recommendations. Benefits Competitive salary and regular salary increases; as 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 off per year, including 13‑26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 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 for 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 for eligible children up to a monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension with 5‑year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions. Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Telework: Not Available; Position is not virtual. #J-18808-Ljbffr Asct