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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computerized Tomography) - RECRUITMENT/RELOCATION INCENTIVE Near Dallas, TX

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).
• 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).
• 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.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

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).

Grade Determinations:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9:
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.

Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.

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:

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.

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations.
• Understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs.
• Demonstrates work practice appropriate for the position. Demonstrate and verbalize proper procedures.
• Infection Control. Understands , demonstrates appropriate hygiene methods and infection control.
• Use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor.
• Able to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9 .

Physical Requirements:
Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use offingef$; Both.bands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13' to 16'; Hearing (aid permitted)

Responsibilities:

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until April 25, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be May 11, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 4/25/2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply.

A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual.

Duties include but not limited to:

• Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases.
• Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy
  requirements of CT scanning.
• Performs neuroangiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, parallelogram biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc.
• Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities.
• Performs myelography of the complete spine utilizing conventional x-ray units, spot films, patient immobilizers, etc., when required.
• Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques.
• Maintains records and files of exams.
• Rosponsible to explain exams.
• Responsible for stocking and inventory for CT and angiography supplies and related materials.

Work Schedule: Saturday and Sunday 11:30am-12:00am
Telework:Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000/Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Computerized Tomography
Recruitment Incentive: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary