Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Summary The Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is currently recruiting for one (1) Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (Magnetic Resonance Imagining) within the Radiology/Joint Imaging Service. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. Responsibilities The DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Schedule patients for examinations in a manner so as to optimize MRI scanning times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases. Responsible for checking and evaluating the quality of their work on each and every patient. Must check all sequences acquired to assure that adequate information has been attained for proper patient diagnosis, and care. Professional ethics and commitment to quality patient care also demands that an MRI Technologist report abnormal and or unexpected findings to the Radiologist. Work with the radiologist as a member of the health care team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition (the alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc.) Prepare contrast materials that are used in MRI and general exams. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Use the PACs system for retrieval of images to be printed to a laser camera. Also, must have knowledge to load and unload laser camera. Maintain records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes patient logbooks, requisition and editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS), copying of films, etc. Properly identify patient through the RIS interface identifier and left/right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient films does not occur. Assure that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Imaging Service In-Service Policy. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all MRI and general imaging supplies and related material. Continually review new developments in MRI and general imaging. Perform irregular hour emergency scans on-call, 24hours per day, coverage. This requires that the technologist be available as soon as possible, but no longer than 60 minutes from receipt of call. This is so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. May perform conventional digital imaging radiographic examinations typically performed routinely by lower grade radiographers. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. 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. CERTIFICATION DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED 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). Transcripts Required. 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 above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements. GS-9 Diagnostics Radiologic Technologist: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-8 level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); straight pulling (2 hours); reaching above shoulder; walking (2 hours); standing (2 hours); repeated bending (2 hours); near vision corrected to 13" to 16"; far vision correctable in on eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; and hearing (aid permitted). Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.