Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Martinsburg, United States - Department of Veterans Affairs

Description

Summary

$$$ Recruitment incentive Offered $$$

This position serves as an Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist in the Imaging Service and performs computed tomography (CT) for the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Learn more about this agency

Help

Overview

• Accepting applications
• Open & closing dates

01/26/2024 to 05/31/2024

• Salary

$68,405 - $88,926 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 9

• Help

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Martinsburg, WV 1 vacancy
• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.

• Appointment type

Permanent -* Work schedule

Full-time -* Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

None

• Job family (Series)

0647 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Other

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBTF SP-T Echo

• Control number

Help

This job is open to

• The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Help

Duties

The incumbent performs a wide variety of complex radiographic(R) and computed tomography (CT) examination procedures.

General Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers.

The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body.

They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).

Computed Tomography (CT).

This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations.

The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician.

[DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services.

Major duties include:

• Independently performs all types of routine to specialized and complex radiographic and computed tomography (CT) examination procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a team to accomplish workload for multimodality imaging department.
• Possesses Advanced Certification in CT by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) with ability to work independently on off tour shifts as needed for departmental coverage.
• Occasional overtime is required. Ability to work nights, evenings, weekends, and all major and non- major holidays.
• Advanced knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and pathology with the ability to adjust parameters based on radiologist recommendations and patient needs.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff, and self. Must have thorough knowledge of technical factor adjustment to minimize radiation dose.
• Knowledge of use and care of personal protective equipment for radiation such as lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation.
• Maintains accurate record keeping, patient identity verification, and clinical duties in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to check system for operations and assessment of accurate images.
• Reports equipment issues promptly and takes measures to reduce impact to patient care.
• Assists Radiologists with fluoroscopic and interventional sterile procedures using aseptic technique and universal precautions.
• Assures all images are acquired, transmitted, and interpreted within specified timeframes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Candidates must be ARRT certified in General Radiology and possess the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and have an advanced certification in computed tomography (CT).

Please ensure you provide your certification with your application.

Work Schedule:
Various schedules available based on facility need.


Telework:
Not Available


Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.


Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required

Help

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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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

BASIC REQUIREMENTS.

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)


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 may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.

]

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).

]

Loss of Credential.

An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.

English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

GRADE REQUIREMENTS.

Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice.

To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice.

This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.

Quality of Experience.

Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above.

Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.

Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.

Specialized Assignments.

Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), [ ] magnetic resonance imaging (MR), [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)], quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor.

]

Grade Determinations:

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.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Experience.

To qualify for the GS-9: 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

AND

GS-8 Knowledge Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs;

• Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines;
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed;
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results;
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed;
• Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealing with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers;
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-9

Experience.

To qualify for the GS-9: 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) directly related to the position that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services for this specialty area.

Examples of experience include but are NOT limed to:

provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services; Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.

GS-9 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 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.

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.

DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

[Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. 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. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level.

References:
VA Handbook 5005/119 December 13, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G25

II-G25-10

The full performance level of this vacancy is SG09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS09

Physical Requirements:

Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability.

Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

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:
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:
Additional information

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 , 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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Read more

• Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members:

Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.