Summary

The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist for the Imaging Service at the VHA WNY HCS. The technologist will function in assigned modalities based on competency assessment and duties assigned based on the needs of the agency. The technologist may be assigned to one or more of the modalities in the functional statement.

Qualifications

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). 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).] English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and7407(d) 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-6 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities. In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. Ability to learn basic computer functions. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program - with certification - in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities. In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. Knowledge of radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-8 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: 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 dealings 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. Preferred Experience: This position will cover general radiology studies - fluoroscopy to include UGI - BA Swallow and C-arm support for the Operating Room. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 - Part II - Appendix G25. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST. December 13 - 2019.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-6 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Physical demands are usually moderate: Lifting objects up to 40 pounds - moving specialized equipment and assisting patients from gurney to a procedure or scan table. Occasionally - the technician assists with the moving of heavy equipment or large patients - but this done with the assistance of others to minimize the danger to individual.

Duties

• Performs a wide variety of diagnostic radiography exams under the direction of a physician
• Operates all radiographic equipment including general diagnostic - portable - fluoroscopic - and PACS related equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients in the Imaging Service
• Supports Radiologists and/or other medical officers - to produce high quality images for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions
• The duties and responsibilities of the DRT include but are not limited to the following: Perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of Lead Technologists and Imaging Manager
• Performs daily inspection of radiographic units to ensure proper mechanical functionality as assigned by leadership
• The technologists must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• Receives/Interpret Exam Requests Receives written requests or instructions for procedures
• Interprets the requests or instructions from Radiologists and lead technologists
• Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations
• Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physician
• Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures
• Independently explains procedures - positions the patient for optimal results - and cushions and shields patients as appropriate
• Varies the procedure or positions to adjust for patients' medical condition - and body habitus
• Administers contrast materials orally - by enema - or in some circumstances - intravenously under the supervision of a Radiologist - or other Physician - or medical officer
• Analyzes the patient needs - determines - and select the technical factors for optimum diagnostic quality - sets the controls and operates equipment
• Performs quality control procedures as required and maintains an adequate level of supplies and safety equipment
• Operates Radiology Equipment - Operates Direct Radiography (DR) equipment as well as Portable - Fluoroscopic and O.R
• equipment
• Provides C-arm for Pain Clinics and Surgery Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:30am-5:00pm
• Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
• Telework: Not Available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement: 24225F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
• PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized
• Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
• NOTIFICATIONS: This is a Bargaining Unit position
• This position is in the Excepted Service
• This position is covered by a special rate
• Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees
• Due to a critical staffing shortage - 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement.