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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography) Near Palo Alto, CA

Qualifications:

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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
• 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).]

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:

Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10

• 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
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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 provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work.
  • *Ability to resolve informal employee complaints.
  • *Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures.
  • Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.
• Mammography. The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification.]

References: VA Handbook 5005, part II, Appendix G25

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Responsibilities:

The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Lead Mammography position is assigned to the VA Palo Alto Heath Care System (VAPAHCS) and will take primary responsibility for overseeing a complex mammography program at two different sites (VA Palo Alto and VA Marina). The Lead Mammography DRT will also coordinate preparation for annual FDA Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) inspections at both sites, American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation at both sites every 3 years, annual MQSA EQUIP: Enhancing Quality Using the Inspection Program review, and annual medical outcomes audit for the entire mammography program.

The Lead Mammography DRT will also oversee extensive interfacility transfers of prior mammograms performed at outside institutions and coordinate patient care for abnormal mammograms and biopsy results in conjunction with VA Women's Health Clinic. The Lead Mammography DRT will also be responsible for leading staff from a technical standpoint (i.e., planning, directing, and controlling activities and resources, people, and material) to meet the needs of the section, which includes staffing, assignments, workflow and scheduling administration.

Responsibilities also include ensuring that all members of the Imaging Section properly adhere to policies and procedures developed by the Radiology Service and Medical Center and National VA Mammography Office, when applicable. The incumbent will have significant administrative duties, including performance and maintenance of extensive documentation of QC at two separate clinical sites, VA Palo Alto and VA Marina.

Major duties include but are not limited to:

• Ensures and maintains compliance with all quality control and quality assurance requirements as per VHA policy, FDA?MQSA regulations, and ACR standards
• Collects and reviews data and images with the Section Supervisor and/or Lead Interpreting Physician, interpreting physician(s), and medical physicist(s)
• Responsible for the timeliness of scheduling of screening and diagnostic breast imaging. Ensures compliance with guidelines for notification of patients for follow-up imaging, and appropriateness of notification letters.
• Ensures required data is entered in the VA tracking/reporting system. For example: Mammography Tracking Software and/or Women's Health Database; manages reports and monitors data to facilitate compliance with required regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Ensures accurate performance of all documentation and record keeping related to each examination. This includes case register and edit in VISTA, CPRS progress notes and IMED consent. Completes electronic patient procedure logs and archival of image data to Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS).
• Collaborates with the Section Supervisor and/or Lead Interpreting Physician in the development of procedures, policies, protocols, and written standard operating procedures that pertain to Breast Imaging.
• Knowledge of breast anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and function of the breast, and knowledge of changes to the breast caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of Mammography imaging to include all breast imaging examinations including QA, Mammography, and interventional procedures of the breast.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 02663F
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