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Summary Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Incumbent provides a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations and non-standardized procedures for x-ray and ultrasound which require advanced skills and expertise. They have the knowledge to alter procedures, equipment settings, and transducers used to accommodate patient needs and still produce a quality image for diagnostic purposes. Responsibilities The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Duties include, but are not limited to: DRT x-ray Functions: a. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. b. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient, staff, and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, and collimation. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Maintains ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) for patients, co-workers, and self. c. Screens female patients within childbearing age for possible pregnancy. Documents screening on pregnancy screening in Vista. Contacts physician when pregnancy possible. If procedure performed on pregnant or potentially pregnant patient, uses radiation safety devices to properly shield patient during exposure. d. Properly identifies patient before performing a procedure by verifying at least two patient identifiers (full name, social security number, birth date can be used), Identifies procedure to be performed to include right / left (extremity). e. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. f. Obtain pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and interviewing the patient and/or family. g. The incumbent maintains the equipment/detectors/workstations as directed by the manufacturer. h. Registers patients for procedures. Documents by case editing procedures performed in the radiology package of VISTA. Documents date, time, initials, and number of films on the paper request that corresponds to films/images. Documents accurate procedure performed, complications of the procedure, technologist involved in the procedure, and the correct exam room in the case editing radiology program of VISTA. i. Uses VISTA, CPRS, PACS and Microsoft Outlook software systems. May be required to assist in the release of information process (faxing reports or burning CDs, Medicom). j. Move wheelchair and lift patients safely using ergonomic methods of patient transfer or by using safe patient handling equipment. k. Maintains clean work area and radiographic/exam rooms and equipment. Maintains stock of supplies and linen for assigned area. Disinfects soiled equipment. Disinfects table after each use. Changes linen on table after each use. l. Performs technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disk drives, console, imaging devices, etc. The incumbent assists manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in the equipment used, notifies the Chief Technologist and bio-med of any failure, or required service. m. Demonstrates skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Other temporary or permanent duties as assigned within the scope of a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. This may include clerical duties or other patient care activities to assist patient care in the CBOC. n. Performs initial QA (quality assurance) on all films/images to ensure correct patient identification on the image, technologist's letter marker corresponds to correct patient's anatomy, exposure factors, position of patient documented, paperwork corresponds with the procedure performed, and case number corresponding to the procedure. o. Assures that all Imaging, Medical Center, VISN and Radiation Safety policies are effectively followed. p. Interact with representatives from outside agencies such as JCAHO, VISN and VHA when necessary. Work Schedule: Intermittent; As needed, approximately 8 hrs/pay period Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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. 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. 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. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technician, GS-5 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6 Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-5, or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7 Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-6, that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. (c) 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. (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-7, that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. AND 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 Preferred Experience: ARRT board certification for general x-ray; Ultrasound experience optional for intermittent position References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.