Diagnostic Radiologic Technician

Summary

As a full performance level Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Technologist are expected to perform the full scope and complexity of a diagnostic radiologic technologist - seeking guidance only on rare occasions to handle unique and difficult tasks.

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]
• Education
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-08 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Assignments
• Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues
• (3) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• (e) Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest 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-8 Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - pulling - and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
• However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
  
  

Duties

• Duties: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties Operates various healthcare and radiology specific information systems to receive - document - and transmit information to perform their duties
• Independently operates general X-Ray producing equipment like radiology - fluoroscopy - C-Arm - and portable units
• Evaluates the conditions of the assigned work and deviates from imaging protocols under the general guidance of the supervisor
• Ensures the equipment is properly warmed-up and operating within safety standards in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications
• Performs operator-level quality assurance tests and occasional trouble shooting activities on imaging equipment in accordance with local policies and within the manufacturer's specifications
• Initiates work order requests or other corrective measures as needed
• Adheres to radiation safety program standards to ensure occupational - patient - and general population radiation doses utilizing the \"as low as reasonably achievable\" concept
• Identifies radiation - blood-borne - respiratory - and other safety hazards
• reports them to the appropriate individual if the incumbent cannot resolve independently
• Communicates with other sections of the healthcare facility to coordinate diagnostic and therapeutic activities
• Communicates with the patient - guests - family members - and other healthcare workers to achieve desired outcomes
• Work Schedule: Monday- Friday - 8:00AM-4:30PM
• Subject to change - based on the needs of the facility
• Telework: Available Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• 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)Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 00187F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized