Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Qualifications:

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).

• 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the follow criteria must be met for the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at the GS 9 level.

• 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.
• 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA): In addition to the experience above, 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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Responsibilities:

Major duties of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging-MRI) include but are not limited to:

• The MRI Technologist performs daily inspection and operates the MRI scanner under the direction of the Lead MR Technologist or Chief Technologist of Radiology.
• Works independently and performs MRI procedures. Performs all diagnostic MRI exams (head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities), MRA's and MR guided procedures (biopsies). The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment will be delivered. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials, so the technologist is required to be able to establish IV access and administer IV contrast.
• Incumbent provides patient care, which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient.
• The MRI Technologist will work with the Lead MR Technologist, will coordinate with the radiologist and/or ordering clinician to determine the most ideal protocol for each individualized patient examination.
• Interpret requests or instructions from radiologist or another provider. Clarify with Radiologist if order is unclear or questionable.
• Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions associated with the MRI scanner.
• Maintains supplies required for all examinations. Make sure all exams are transmitted to PACS for permanent record keeping of completed exams.
• Explains examinations to be performed to the patients and staff so that an understanding of the purpose of the studies as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood.
• Performs, monitors and verifies safety checks on patients, employees, and visitors who might have medical devices or implants that are contraindicated for MRI.
• Ensures that radiation safety and MR safety program is followed by informing patients and staff about established required safety areas and enforce any unauthorized entry to those areas.
• Will be responsible for insuring proper cleaning and decontamination of the equipment as necessary.
• Will be responsible for managing patient flow throughout the MRI suite, ensuring efficiency of operations and limit patient wait time.
• Incumbent must be on-call and must be available to perform emergency procedures that require use of MRI scan examinations.
• Must adhere to and be familiar with infection control policies and procedures to be followed on patients undergoing diagnostic studies on the MRI unit.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, Mid-Shift 11:30am - 8:00pm. The selectee will be on the schedule for rotating shared holidays, rotating Saturday coverage only, and weekend on call with other technologist. The employee may be required to work different shifts or compress schedule if needed. This is subject to change based on the operational needs of the agency.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
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)
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 #: 59189F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Salary : $417