Summary

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) position is assigned to the Bangor VA Outpatient Center - under Diagnostic Imaging Service.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by 15 calendar days from the closing date of this announcement - 03/12/2025.

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 (ARRT) (R)
• 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
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English
• Grade Determinations:GS-5 DRT (Entry Level) Experience or Education
• None beyond the basic requirements
• Assignment
• DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision
• The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity
• Deviations from regular procedures - unanticipated problems - and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help
• Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area
• Such duties would be performed under closer supervision
• GS-6 DRT (Developmental Level)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
• Assignment
• Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs - performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature
• They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards
• They also must troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment
• DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives - and assist higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1
• Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• 2
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning 3
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures 4
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment 5
• Ability to learn basic computer functions
• GS-7 DRT (Advanced Developmental Level)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
• Assignment
• DRTs at this level perform a substantially full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues
• Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1
• Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system 2
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study 3
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures 4
• Knowledge of the function of computed radiography - Phosphor cassettes and CR readers 5
• Knowledge of PACS - and basic computer skills
• GS-8 DRT (Full Performance Level)Experience
• At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Assignments
• Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level
• Candidates at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1
• Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines 2
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed 3
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results 4
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed 5
• Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers 6
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/77 PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: This position requires a moderate amount of physical activity working with the equipment and maneuvering patients including eye/hand coordination
• full use of arms - hands and wrists
• transporting - lifting - lowering - moving - turning heavy objects and/or patients
• standing - sitting - or reaching for extended periods of time
• Requires color vision and depth perception: must be able to differentiate subtle shades of gray on a diagnostic image
• must also respond to audio signals.

Duties

• The technologist functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity
• Deviations from regular procedures - unanticipated problems - and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help
• Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technologist for promotion to higher grades in a functional area
• Such duties would be performed under closer supervision
• The exams are performed in the department - operating room and at the bedside
• They include but are not limited to: bone and joint imaging fluoroscopic procedures and portable examinations
• Receives /Interprets Radiology Requisitions: Receives Requests or instructions for procedures
• Interprets requests or instructions from radiologist or medical house officer
• Prioritizes requisitions as to room availability - stat calls from intensive care units - emergency room and operating room
• Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physician
• Technologist may need to seek assistance of a supervisor or radiologist as to appropriateness of exam - or if unique - modified or new procedure is required
• Knowledge and skill in positioning patients for a wide variety of difficult radiographic studies Performs procedures in the outpatient department such as: GI Suite: Cholangiography - UGI - Barium Enema - ERCP's - diaphragmatic stability fluoroscopy - myelography - arthrography and lumbar puncture
• Somewhat independently Urology Suite: Retrogrades - cystograms - urethrocystograms - Scolosis series and Long length bone radiography Trauma radiography - Routine Radiology including skull - spine - chest - torso - extremity imaging Portable radiography - chest - abdomen - extremity in the intensive care units (SICU - MICU - CCU - PACU - ER - OR - Spinal Cord - and general wards) Operating Room Radiography: GU studies Orthopedic imaging - hips - knees - extremities
• Fluoroscopy guided procedures: stent grafts - pacer placement - porta-cath and tunnel lines Work Schedule: Per Diem - Monday - Friday
• Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #:402-F03186/87/88/89 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Notifications: This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position
• Travel and relocation expenses are not authorized
• This position is covered by a special rate
• Candidates who meet the qualification requirements within 15 calendar days following the closing date of the announcement will be considered
• This position is in the Excepted Service
• Drug Testing Position: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA
• Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received
• Selectee will be required to complete additional forms to proceed with employment process
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50 - (Notice of Personnel Action)
• The SF-50 must identify the position title - series - grade - step - tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted)
• In some cases - more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.