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 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (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.

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 Technologist 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: n 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