Employees at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. The principal responsibilities are to perform CT scan procedures for the patients of this health care system. Perform technical functions related to CT imaging procedures such as CT Colonography, CT Enterography, CT Angiography (Heart and Coronaries, Head, Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis), and CT Cerebral Perfusion studies.
Basic Requirements: 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.) 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. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-9 (1) 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. (2) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: (a) [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. 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 balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. PART II APPENDIX G25
Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table. Prepare the room, equipment, and materials needed for patient procedures. Prepare oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary. Insert catheter needles in patients receiving intravenous (IV) contrast for CT exam. Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures. Observe patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events. Perform all technical aspects of computerized integrated components of all CT studies. Transfers selected images to the current Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), such as Philips IntelliSpace Radiology, and verifies the arrival of the complete and accurate images. Be responsible for the quality assurance of the image such as positioning, label, technique, and net work information. Any deviance in technique which alters patient dose is reported to the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or Supervisor. Send emergent studies after hours to offsite National Teleradiology Program assuring proper form is completely filled out. Assure completion of required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and/or quality improvement activities of Imaging Service. Perform daily maintenance of head and body phantoms, such as changing water, cleaning and removing air bubbles. Perform daily cleaning of equipment as indicated by infection control standards. Administer contrast material, under the direction of the Radiologist, according to protocols. Check and make minor adjustments to equipment such as setting wedges or changing adjusters. Maximize patient throughput by contact with escorts, ward clerks, nursing personnel, and staff physicians. Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times. Provide training to lower grade employees, student radiographers, and residents from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives. Adhere to facility infection control and universal precautions at all times in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures. Follow safety guidelines according to established policies and procedures ensuring the proper disposal of contrast media sharps and bodily fluids. Be required on a rotational basis for on-call standby duties for emergent procedures. Be required to work alternating holidays and cover for staff shortages as needed. Provide education to patients and their families on imaging procedures. Register patients if clerical support is not available. Follow Joint Commission National Safety Goals. Wear radiation badge every day of work. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00pm -7:00am Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, 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 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. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized