The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, (Computed Tomography) is assigned to the Imaging Service at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA. The incumbent must be thoroughly knowledgeable in all aspects of digital radiography and computerized tomography, and works independently to make routine radiographic or CT examinations of the head, neck. chest. abdomen, pelvis and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injury or other indications. 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: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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). Physical Requirements. Applicants must pass a pre-employment physical exam/screening. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(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 Requirements: a. Creditable Experience Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. b. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), interventional radiologic technology (IR), quality management (QM), picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor. Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-09, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: 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. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. 6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: One year scanning experience post ARRT Credentialing highly preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 dated December 13, 2019.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: This employee functions in direct patient care. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (ORT) work requires long periods of standing and/or walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing/pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement and manipulation of moderately heavy equipment, which is generally power assisted, such as portable machines, hospital beds, gurneys, wheelchairs, and patent lift equipment,. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients to be done with assistance from other employees and various Safe Patient Handling & Mobility devices (i.e. EZ-MAT, overhead lifts, slider boards, etc.) provided by the Radiology Section.Near vision correctable at 13 inches to 16 inches to Jaeger 1 - 4 and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other is acceptable. Hearing aids are permitted. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT, will remain open until September 30, 2024 or until filled. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 04/01/2024, with subsequent cut-off date for referral on the 1st and 15th of each month. May close without prior notification. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography): This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3 D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies. and peripheral vascular examinations. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to: Assists radiologists in the performance of Barium Swallows, G.I. series, and barium contrast enemas and other fluoroscopy examinations. Sets up the x-ray room and prepares contrast material needed for the radiology procedures. Performs Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) bone density examinations of the spine, extremities, and body, to include maintaining patient exams in the computerized record system, logging patients on the HIS/RIS work list. Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary. Performs clerical duties as they relate to patient care within the section. Reviews new developments in the field and makes recommendations to the Team Leader and Supervisor on areas where improvements may be necessary. Maintains supplies, cleans and sterilizes equipment and area after use. Performs radiographic examinations up to 75% of the time in (I) General Radiography and (2) Operating Room Radiography. Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, musculoskeletal system, and vascular system. Schedules add-on exams in a manner to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement or non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements or CT scanning. Schedules add-on patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them or scans requiring their immediate attention. Proficiently manipulates image data, utilizes multi-slice technology, generates diagnostic CTA. 3D and multi-planar exams for interpretation. Performs CT guided biopsy procedures. Performs CT myelography of the spine when required. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic 'studies of the spinal canal. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Follows department protocol for studies as requested. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. Logs and enters all complications during exams into the Event Patient Reporting System (ePRS or successor system). Transmits patient exams archived on PACS system to teleradiology providers and faxes patient data sheets to providers as required. Stocking and inventory of all CT and ORT technology supplies and related materials. Confers with radiologists to ensure that specific procedural supplies are stocked. Notifies supervisor of inventory levels. Work Schedule: Thursday - Sunday, 8:00am-6:00pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). 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) 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 Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F00639 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not require."]

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