Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary

The Therapeutic and Diagnostic Imaging service at the Dayton VA Medical Center is looking for a Temporary (Not to Exceed 2 Years), Full-time Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT).

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) operates highly complex computerized x-ray equipment to acquire images of the human anatomy used in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders.

Qualifications

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
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 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)

] [NOTE:

Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] English Language Proficiency
DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C
7402(d), and 7407(d)
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
For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels
(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
(4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
(5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT

Grade Determinations:
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
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 (*): *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

References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09

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
Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C
7402(d), and 7407(d)
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Duties "Major duties include but are not limited to: Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from radiologist or medical officers for accuracy and appropriateness.

Independently reviews each requisition to assure that the clinical history provided, and area of interest is consistent with the exam requested.

Independently carries out the requests made by physicians.
Prepares room, equipment and materials needed for patient procedures.

Properly verifies the patient's identity using two unique identifiers and using active rather than passive identification; follows VHA directives and policies.

Make certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.

Explains exams to competent patients in terms that the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam.

Transfers patients from stretcher or wheelchair to the CT scan table utilizing safe patient handling techniques; ergonomic methods and devices.

Positions the patient for desired results; utilizing positioning cushions, pads and straps as needed; shields patients as appropriate.

Properly selects patient's information from the HIS/RIS list on the workstation, verifies patient information by performing a timeout process prior to scanning.

Obtains pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic health record, and requisition.

Evaluates CT exams for technical image quality, may alter technique to achieve the diagnostic goal, while maintaining the ALARA principle.

Identifies pathology during scanning; advising the Radiologist.
Performs 3D reconstruction as required.
Troubleshoots equipment for error or malfunction.

Performs computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and/or quality improvement activities of the department.

Assists in maintaining inventory of supplies, monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance and notify supervisor of low level of supplies in a timely manner.

Maintains electronic records of patient exams assuring that the images acquired and required paperwork is properly filled out and are transferred into the patient record and perform clerical duties as related to patient care as it pertains to release of information and image disc creation.

Other duties as assigned.
VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-
Work Schedule: 10:30 am to 7:00 PM, Monday - Friday 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 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

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 #: 91312-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS):

Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required"

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