Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) is assigned to the VA NORCAL Health Care System in the Diagnostic Imaging Service at the Mather - CA VA. The (DRT) performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. The purpose of these exams is to conduct diagnostic studies to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information - refer to Required Documents below.

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]
• 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] Grandfathering Provision
• All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation
• NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21 - 1986 - and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed - in writing - by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1 - 1987 - is considered fully qualified
• These employees may be promoted - changed to lower grade - or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series
• Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry
• 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: GS-8 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologis Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• 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
• GS-8: Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level
• Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide specialized radiologic technology services and/or general radiologic technology services - with only occasional oversight or direction required for highly complex issues
• 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. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds)
• moderate carrying (15-44 pounds)
• straight pulling (1-2 hours)
• pushing (3-4 hours)
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers and both hands required
• walking (6-7 hours)
• standing (3-4 hours)
• kneeling (1-2 hours)
• repeated bending (3-4 hours)
• near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• depth perception
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• and hearing (aid permitted)
• The environmental factors for this position are: working closely with others and/or alone
• protracted or irregular hours
• and unusual emotional strain.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team
• They must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities to ensure patients receive the best care in a safe environment
• Assigned Duties and responsibilities include - but are not limited to the following: Conducts routine X-ray exams of the head - body - and limbs to help diagnose injuries or illnesses
• Also performs bedside and operating room X-rays for patients who cannot be moved - supporting surgeons and medical staff
• Checks equipment for proper operation and follows guidelines to ensure quality
• Edits and improves images before sending them digitally to reading stations - and transmits images via the PACS system
• Creates reports on department activities for quality checks - following established evaluation methods
• Trains staff on how to use new or existing equipment - developing procedures and protocols
• Acts as a liaison for patient - doctor - and staff questions or requests about appointments - procedures - and policies
• Handles safety precautions carefully when dealing with radiation - and reports major issues immediately
• Receives and inputs radiology requests into computer systems
• Manages exams and reports through Vista/CPRS/PACS - sharing results with clinics and doctors
• Checks systems for operation and assesses performance based on established guidelines and protocols
• Optimizes images before digitally sending them to reading stations for enhanced visualization
• Retrieves and transmits images via the PACS system
• Maintains effective control of the Radiology area by coordinating - planning - organizing - and executing tasks to streamline workflow within the department
• Responsible for creating - implementing - collecting - critiquing - and preparing all written and oral reports of up-to-date data necessary for continuous and/or problem-focused Quality Assurance monitors representing the Radiology departments - utilizing the 10-step Monitor & Evaluation method as required by JCAHO
• Stays abreast of technological advances in Radiology and incorporates these advancements into in-service educational programs for nursing and physician staff
• Troubleshoot equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and performs minor repairs and adjustments
• Exercises extreme caution in handling and safeguarding all radiation-producing equipment
• Recognizes and reports major equipment malfunctions promptly to service representatives
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests and inputs pertinent radiology information into the computer
• Registers - requests - cancels - and edits exams via Vista/CPRS/PACS
• Compiles computer-generated x-ray reports and distributes them to appropriate clinics and physicians
• Practices radiation safety to minimize exposure to patients - staff - and self
• This is achieved through the appropriate use of lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls - collimation - and distance management
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:00am-4:30pm Supervisor Discretion EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact Susan.Bringel@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 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 $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) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 612-00431F