This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. 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. 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). English Language Proficiency. Applicants appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R). YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR CERTIFICATION. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology. YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS. 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:GS-10, Pacs Technologist: At the GS-10 level, you must have one full year of experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent directly related to the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist / PACS Technologist position. The PACS technologist provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems. The technologist performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. The technologist coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. The technologist provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware. The technologist provides training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems. The technologist provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, etc. The incumbent may function as a DRT which may include complex modalities such as CT, MR, mammography, ultrasound, and/or IR. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems. ii. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. iii. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. iv. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality. v. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system. vi. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 Physical Requirements: Physical requirements include standing, sitting and walking in the clinical setting. Applicants must comply with national patient safe handling guidelines while assisting patients. ["The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: The incumbent of this position works in Imaging Services at VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), a level 1A facility and reports to the Assistant Chief Technologist or designee. In addition to performing as a PACS technologist the incumbent will function as a DRT 25% of the time, which may include complex modalities such as CT and/or MR. The incumbent works closely with the technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality Diagnostic/therapeutic exam results, and patient satisfaction. The PACS technologist provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems. The technologist performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and may perform some general ADPAC duties which may include user access control. a. Coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors b. Provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware c. Provides training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems. d. Provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, etc. e. Provides feedback to the Chief and Asst Chief Technologist regarding poor image quality or radiation risks brought on by technologists f. Researches and analyzes problems, issues or program requirements supporting the functions of digital imaging systems. Determines the pertinent issues and collects relevant information from a variety of sources. Reviews information and applies standard analytical techniques. Develops recommendations and proposals. g. Aids in the maintenance of the VISN PACS servers stationed at Portland VA Health Care System. h. Works with vendors, PACS Administrator and servicing personnel to troubleshoot problems with hardware and software. Assists in scheduling downtime and/or implements workflow changes until the problem is resolved. Coordinates with supervisory staff and PACS Administrator to ensure minimal impact on operations. i. Coordinates activities with VISTA imaging manager, Biomedical personnel assigned to Radiology, Vista Imaging users and support personnel on computer related matters to ensure all issues are adequately addressed and interface activities are conducted as effectively as possible. Respect and professional interaction with others are required at all times. j. Performs routine radiographs, portable exams, fluoroscopy, OR imaging, or Advanced Imaging in CT or MRI as credentialing allows. k. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). l. May prepare contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. The radiographer is qualified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. The radiographer must know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality; therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 07:00am-3:30pm Tour of Duty requires on call. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V20CompensationTeam@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
