The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist employee at this level is fully functional as an Advanced DRT and can carry out the assigned tasks independently. Assists the angiography practitioner to perform angiography procedures in conducting highly specialized/complex and invasive diagnostic and therapeutic angiography and interventional radiology procedures. The technologist may assist operating room staff by performing radiology technologist duties during procedures. 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) 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), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: 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. This experience includes but is not limited to: 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: Preferred two years of experience in Interventional Radiology. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is Gs-09. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. ["Includes but are not limited to: Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Equipment may include, but is not limited to: fluoroscopy, conventional plain film radiography, tomography, portable radiography, digital radiography, and computed radiography. He/she works independently on most exams but confers with DRT Supervisor on more difficult problems. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination, and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of IR imaging to include: upper and lower extremity, visceral, pulmonary, and carotid/cerebral arteriography and venography; angioplasty; stent and IVC filter insertion; central and peripheral venous access device insertion; mechanical and pharmacological thrombolysis; thrombectomies; biliary and urinary drainage procedures; percutaneous and trans vascular biopsies; percutaneous drainages; facet and joint injections including arthrography; myelography; and embolization and hemostasis procedures; procedures involving radiopharmaceuticals. New interventional procedures may be added to the procedure list Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the physician that are used in IR. Technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; and date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Thoroughly reviews the IR orders screening information for accuracy, noting and researching all questionable information before contacting the patient or performing the exam. Inputs pertinent information into the designated computer systems and has the knowledge to register, complete, cancel, and edit exams. Technologist works with IR schedule to ensure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments by established priorities and additional assignments Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for the patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Work Schedule: 8:00a - 4:30p M-F 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)Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Interventional Radiography (IR) GS-0647-09 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO):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.