This position is located within the Diagnostic Imaging service of the Central Alabama VA Health Care System.
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 Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d) Certification Requirement: 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 Requirement: 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). 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 (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. 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/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include, but are not limited to: Incumbent will use specific knowledge of human anatomy, including-cross sectional anatomy, and its application in spiral, and/or multi-slice Computer Tomography including -Peripheral Vascular, Spine, Abdomen, CT Angiography, Brain, and Virtual Colonography. Determines the consistency, of masses with the aid of the CT Software as (cystic or solid) and their relationship to adjacent abdominal structures. Ensures CT scan radiation doses are documented in PACS and/or on in the procedure for Radiologist to dictate in the patient's report. Performs quality control/assurance checks on completed CT scans to ensure optimally diagnostic images are referred for radiologists' interpretation. Receives patients and explains procedures, prepares the room and equipment. Explains exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Monitors vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and emergency measures to include AED. Properly identifies patient images. This is critical to ensure incorrect images or document errors do not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D. and the request are identical. Use of patient identifiers is required. Responsible to the Radiologists and Supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Works with the Radiologist as a member of the Radiology team. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipates technique factor difficulties, etc. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure lo patients, staff, and self. Responsible for explaining exams to patients so that they understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, exists. Receives and interprets requests or instructions for general or complex procedures. Edit/make changes to requests as appropriate when directed by a radiologist or medical provider. Perform all requested procedures and exercises control of area and equipment. Coordinates with radiology staff in the main department to ensure images are transmitted, digitized, read, and reported in a timely manner. Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment is available for scheduled procedure. Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday or 2:00pm - 12:00am Tuesday-Friday. It is also required to be on-call during weekends, nights, included on holiday call rosters and be available to rotate to other locations as needed to perform patient care. 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 eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 619-58896F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized