Job descriptionThis 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. 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. 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 A. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. B. English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 7403(f). C. Certification Requirement: 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 D. Education Requirement: 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). E. Grandfathering Provision: 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). F. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time work week. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 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. G. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, dated December 13, 2019, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards, GS-0647. H. Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate lifting and carrying, up to 44 pounds; straight pulling; reaching above shoulders; use of both hands and fingers required; walking, standing; crawling; kneeling; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted). The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. ["Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Computed Tomography (CT): Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units and general diagnostic units. Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck spine, chest and body. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. For this grade level a minimum of 25% (10hrs) is spent working as a CT technologist. VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Major duties include but are not limited to: Schedules exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number, and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Performs CT angiography; including run-offs and pulmonary embolus studies. These studies require the use of power injectors and reconstruction of images post image acquisition. Performs CT biopsies utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This may require \"scrub-in technique,\" preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may meet the sterile field with the purpose of assuring all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic 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, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Performs quality control on the CT scanner as required. Records contrast warmer temperature daily. Checks crash cart at beginning of shift. Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of patient log registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. Other duties as assigned.. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Paid Time Off: 37 days of annual paid time offer per year (13 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). 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 $ 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 #: 00726F EDRP Authorized: Contact, , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
