Duties

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) independently performs the below duties but are not limited too:

• Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to MR table using safe transfer techniques
• Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures.
• Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures.
• Uses Omni-cell for contrast distribution
• Observe patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events.
• Transfers images to PACS for interpretation.
• Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and/or quality improvement activities of the Radiology Department.
• The incumbent is responsible for screening all MR patients and checking implanted devices if necessary for clearance.
• The incumbent is familiar with all MR policies and safety practices and participates in all mandated drills for the service.
• MR technologists are competent and responsible for screening all other personnel prior to entering the MR suite. They are fully competent and aware of the MR zones and the safety practices adhering to each.
• Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc.
• Provide guidance to employees in safe MR practices.
• Coordinate quality improvement activities within the MR section. Recommends areas for review or improvement.
• Practice hospital safety, MR safety, infection control and universal precautions always within age and/or gender specific departmental guidelines.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday; 9:30am-6:00pm; may include some Saturdays.
Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized for this position.
Telework: Not authorized for this position.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Not authorized for this position.
Functional Statement #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)- FS#: 00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized for this position.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized for this position.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All 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.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.
English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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). 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).

Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard (12/13/2019) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. Provisions apply for employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to their position.

Grade Determinations - GS-10 Grade Level: At least 1 year of the following types of experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-9 that fully meets the following Knowledge Skills and Abilities. Examples of Specialized experience but not limited to: Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program; Transferring images to PACS for interpretation; Screening all MR patients and checking implanted devices if necessary for clearance; Coordinating daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the next day and future day's availability for patient examinations.

1. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
2. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
3. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
4. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies

Full Performance Level: The full performance level of this position is a GS-10.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Physical Requirements: Bending, pushing, pulling, reaching and occasional kneeling crawling and squatting; lifting, carrying, bending, and manipulation of equipment; patient assistance and positioning; walking and prolonged standing; the ability to read written orders, computer screens, patient records, and equipment controls; and the ability to communicate with patients, physicians, and coworkers. Near visual acuity to assess patient's physical condition when performing exams, and evaluating images for diagnostic quality. Must be able to speak and hear to communicate with patients. Ability to make critical decisions, interact with patients of different ages and health conditions, maintain patient confidentiality, work under stressful conditions, such as operating or emergency rooms

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

Due to COVID-19, VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. Management officials will provide information about returning to the official, pre-pandemic worksite, when applicable. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .