Duties

Summary

Operates a mulitdetector computed tomography scanner. Develops new techniques, defines optimal protocols, and devises alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient. Evaluates new system(s) and compares them with existing methodologies. Interacts with physician, scientists, physicist, computer programmers, manufactures, and technical design engineers on a recurring basis in the performance of daily assignments.
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Responsibilities

• Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table.
• Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures.
• Follow protocols required to perform procedures.
• Maintains data logs of material used by entering information into GIP computer.
• 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
• Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc.
• Provide orientation and training employees within his/her section.
• Provide guidance to employees in the ultrasound section.
• Coordinate quality improvement activities within the ultrasound section. Recommends areas for review or improvement
• Practice hospital safety, radiation safety, infection control and universal precautions at all times within age and/or gender specific departmental guidelines.

Performs other duties common to the Imaging Service as assigned by the Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

General x-ray coverage is expected when required.

Duty Station: Baltimore, Maryland
Work Schedule:
Technologist 1: Saturday 12am to noon, Sunday 12am-noon, Monday 8am-4:30pm, Tuesday 8am-4:30pm
Technologist 2: Thursday 8am-4:30pm, Friday 8am-4:30pm, Saturday Noon-Midnight, Sunday Noon-Midnight
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Telework: Not approved for this position
Bargaining Unit: This position is covered by a bargaining unit

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/19/2019.
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). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT)
• Experience or 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), and certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) in radiology.
• Physical Requirements. Scope of the Examination: The examination will be concerned with the mental and physical ability of the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the proposed assignment and will include requisite laboratory and other screening as required by Federal regulatory agencies

This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification for Computed Tomography (CT)

Qualifications 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 drainage, 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 particular interest to the physician

Preferred Experience: Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT)Minimum of 2yrs experience as a ARRT certified CT tech working in an independent setting. Experience in an inpatient and outpatient clinic or hospital preferred.

Grade Determinations:
GS-9 DRT

Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level (GS-8 Full Performance Level).

Examples of knowledge, skills, and abilities at the next lower grade level (GS-8) include but are not limited to:

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; and
6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

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:
Advanced DRT. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level.
a. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures;
b. Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers;
c. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure;
d. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography;
e. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; and
f. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

References: VA Handbook 5005/77 Part II Appendix G25 http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/DirectivesHandbooks/Documents/5005.pdf

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS08 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS09

Physical Requirements: The work requires frequent standing bending, reaching and walking. The work requires wearing of lead apron, gloves, mask, gown and eye shields. The selectee must be able to lift 50 pounds. Must have full manual dexterity and keyboarding skills. This may be considered demanding physical activity.

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

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

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will recommend grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

CV or Resume (Required) too include: Name of Employer; Month/Year to Month/Year Worked; Number of Hours Worked Per Week; A Detailed Description of your Duties Performed; Current active Licensure, Certification, or Registration number with State, and expiration date.

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search .
CV or Resume (Required) too include: Name of Employer; Month/Year to Month/Year Worked; Number of Hours Worked Per Week; A Detailed Description of your Duties Performed; Current active Licensure, Certification, or Registration number with State, and expiration date.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• OF-306
• Other (1)
• Other (2)
• Other (3)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

CV or Resume (Required) too include: Name of Employer; Month/Year to Month/Year Worked; Number of Hours Worked Per Week; A Detailed Description of your Duties Performed; Current active Licensure, Certification, or Registration number with State, and expiration date.

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx .

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.