Summary

The Phoenix VA Health Care System is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. This position is located at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center within the Diagnostic Imaging service. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist is responsible for performing routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as portable machines - c-arm and fixed fluoroscopic machines and general diagnostic machines.

Qualifications

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: 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)
• Note: This does not apply at the GS-5 entry level technician
• For grade levels above the entry level - the candidate must be certified
• 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)
• NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description
• 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-5 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements
• Grade Determinations: 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: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions
• Grade Determinations: 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: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study
• (c) 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
• (d) Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems
• (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills
• Grade Determinations: 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: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• (e) Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• 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-08
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Grade level assignment descriptions GS-5: Operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision
• Function 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 are performed under closer supervision
• GS-6: 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 must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment
• Must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations
• GS-7: Perform a 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 GS-8: Serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level
• Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues
• Full Performance Level Duties: Assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations
• Has direct responsibility for patient safety
• Is under direct supervision of Radiologist during examination
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring oral or injectable solutions
• In the case of injected media - a patient consent form must be obtained
• These procedures require the use of needles - syringes - contrast material - barium - enema bags and drinking cups
• Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs
• Must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• Properly identifies the patient and the image
• Uses left and right markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur
• The technician must be certain that inpatient ID bands and the x-ray request are identical
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done
• May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Has general knowledge of crash cart
• Obtains/maintains proficiencies with the operations of defibrillators
• Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures
• Correctly sends the images to the PAC's system
• Cases all completed examinations in Vista to \"examined\" status
• After normal business hours/in the absence of the film librarian - the technologist will be required to make CD's of images for patients being transferred out of the facility
• As patient care needs dictate - incumbent may be required to perform bone density examinations (DEXA scans)
• Prepares patient for exam - setting up technical factors - performing Quality assurance and other related items associated with producing quality examinations
• May perform additional duties such as checking pharmacy and biomed expiration dates monthly - repeat rate count - student clinical instructor - checking daily status logs - ensuring completion and transmission of all examinations
• Assist Radiation Safety Officer with annual lead apron inspections
• Work Schedule: 40 hours a week
• Schedule to be discussed during interview
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Work Schedule: 40 hours a week
• Schedule to be discussed during interview
• Compressed/Flexible: Available Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Functional Statement #: 000000