This Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) position is assigned to the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Imaging Service; General Radiology section within the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center. The Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Lead DRT) work includes but is not limited to, monitors and making work assignments, providing input on performance, resolving daily workplace issues, and maintaining efficient workflow, and assuring coverage of all areas of responsibility.
General Radiologic Technology (RT). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS). 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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-Documentation Submitted. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. Grade Determinations: Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. The incumbent functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs at the full performance level and below, providing input on performance, resolving daily workplace issues, and maintaining efficient workflow. Provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a general 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 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) i. Ability to provide technical oversight and assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload utilizing the personnel to the greatest advantage thus providing the optimal level of patient care within the workday. ii. Ability to plan, direct, and distribute work assignments to DRTs at lower grade levels. iii. Skill in instructing and training DRTs on newly acquired equipment. iv. Ability to plan and project staffing needs. v. Skill to independently perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 9 Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
The Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), General Radiology employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and is able to carry out the assigned tasks independently. The team member will have a varying assignment including special and complex radiographic examinations and procedures within the General Radiology section, with and without the use of contrast materials 75% of the time to include Administrative workload 25% of the time. The objective of these exams and procedures is to produce radiographic studies which are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by Radiologists to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathogical conditions or lesions within the body so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be obtained.Duties include but are not limited to the following: Manages and directs the work of lower grade technologists when examinations/procedures require assistance. Directs all section schedules in a manner so as to optimize workflow while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases, rearranging patients to accommodate these requests. Ensures all procedures and general operations are performed to meet The Joint Commission Standards. Organizes staff work assignments, including lunch and break routines. Reports absences and tardiness to Section Supervisor and/or Chief Technologist. Recommends the reassignment of techs if necessary, because of call-ins or increased/decreased workload. Initiates recommendations to higher authorities on changes to increase productivity, revise staffing, assure cost efficiency, and improve morale. Responsible for training new technologists in all imaging aspects under their direction including specialized cases. Recommends, coordinates and evaluates new or modified procedures/protocols. Instruct other technologists on specialized tasks and new/modified procedures and policies and ensures their compliance and understanding. Participates in the evaluation of new employees. Ensures policies are communicated to all staff and safety practices are utilized at all times. Establishes and monitors employee's performance and is responsible for providing input for rating each employee at the end of each rating period and determining competency throughout the year. Provides information to employees concerning management goals and objectives and provides higher-level supervisors with timely feedback on employee's participation and concerns. Continually evaluate indicators, progress measures, objectives and emphasis areas for attention of operating managers and staff to provide input to develop programs for improvement and compliance. Assists Supervisors and technical experts to develop realistic quality improvement plans. Analyze key steps in transaction process or business practice to identify potential for significant quality process improvement. Performs weekly General Radiology Incomplete Worklist, Exception's Handler (Philips PACS), Cases without Images Report, and Status Tracking reports to monitor to completion. Ensures General Radiology success of all identified Performance measures. Performance Measures for Radiology service are as follows: 1) Employee Competency Folders; 2) Inpatient/outpatient overall satisfaction (Patient Advocate Report); 3) Clinic Wait Times; and 4) Timekeeping exceptions. Coordinates new product evaluation. Recommends methods and products to reduce costs and/or increase quality. Tech Duties: Have a complete and thorough working knowledge of all functions under his/her purview and can direct and/or operate all the diagnostic specialties to assure its many activities and to provide efficient patient care. Perform exams under their purview on a routine basis and must obtain and maintain a full understanding of all equipment, examinations, and procedures performed in the General Radiology section. Have thorough knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment. The incumbent will have a thorough knowledge of SOP's that documents the process and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of Reusable Medical Equipment. Have a working knowledge of VistA. The individual must comply with VA directives and regulations concerning scheduling and canceling appointments to assure that they meet the criteria. Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention (i.e. hand washing, universal precautions/isolation procedures, including TB requirement precautions. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm w/call and holiday rotation Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 20825F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized