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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Near Palo Alto, CA

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27.
• Certification: Must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Additionally, advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), which is included in this announcement.
• Education: Must have completed a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic 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).

Grade Determinations:

GS-05: At the GS-05 level, you must meet the basic language and education requirements listed above.

NOTE:Non-certified DRTs may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B) for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level.

GS-06: At the GS-06 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05).

OR

Education:Successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related filed to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (Transcript required)

AND

In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):

1. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
2. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
3. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
4. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
5. Ability to learn basic computer functions.

GS-07: At the GS-07 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

OR

Education: Successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related filed to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (Transcript required)

OR

Experience/Education: Successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year bachelor's degree program in radiography or directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (Transcript required)

AND

In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):

1. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
2. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
3. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
4. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.

GS-08: At the GS-08 level, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience at the GS-07 level would include but not be limited to:

• Experience assisting with special procedures such as drainages and biopsies, routine diagnostic radiography, portable radiography, fluoroscopy, operating room imaging, and cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in computed tomography including post-processing applications.

AND

In addition, you must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):

1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08.

Physical Requirements: Position requires Lifting (Assist Patients from lying position to sitting (and vice versa) with varying degrees of assistance, working with 200 lbs.)/Carrying (45lbs and over); Sitting/Standing/Walking/Kneeling/Bending/Twisting/Pulling/Pushing/Simple Grasping/Fine Manipulation (Keyboard and Computer Components)/Reaching Above Shoulder/Operating Machinery (US Equipment)/Chemicals (Hospital-Based Solvents) 2-6 hours each requirement per day.

Responsibilities:

Major duties may include but are not limited to:

• Assists radiologists with less complex fluoroscopic examinations.
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms, fistulagrams, and arthography.
• Is responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self.
• Performs darkroom procedures such as loading and unloading CR cassettes, and operating the CR reader image processor in order to provide adequate and proper processed images.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.
• Responsible for explaining exams to patients so that they understand what must be done as well as any potential hazards. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Operates a fully digital x-ray system and operates highly technical digital and computerized radiographic equipment. Retrieves and sends images via the Picture Archival & Computerized System (PACS).
• Maintains effective control of the radiology area by coordinating, planning, organizing, and executing the work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments.
• Schedules patients for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profiles.
• Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of radiology and incorporates these advances into in-service educational programs for the technical staff.
• Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and is able to make minor repairs and/or adjustments.
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer.
• The skills required of a radiologic technologist include critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking. The incumbent should also possess oral comprehension skills to be able to listen and understand information conveyed verbally; control precision skills to be able to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of the machines; and speech clarity to be able to convey verbal information clearly.

Work Schedule: Various tours of duty: day, evening, nights, weekend, holidays, on-call.
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact V21CCOEEDRP@VA.GOV, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary