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Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General)

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Richmond, Virginia
Closing date
Oct 24, 2020
Duties

Summary

DRTs perform procedures/examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. Objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. Must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Performs the full spectrum of radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations in a tertiary care facility with an active spinal cord, nursing home, hospice, polytrauma unit, heart and liver transplant services.
  • Performs specialized procedures and operates specialized fluoroscopic and radiographic equipment and computers that communicate with the equipment.
  • Receives patients, explains method of procedure and is responsible for proper positioning of patients. Prior to exposure, selects and sets technical factors. Sets up and adjust accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures.
  • Performs fluoroscopies, gastrointestinal examinations, conventional plain film radiography, myelography, fluoroscopy guided, Dobhoff tube placement, fistula gram, fluoroscopic guided diaphragmatic paralysis, interventional procedures, portable radiography, digital radiography, and operating room radiography.
  • Support radiologists and clinician in the performance of these exams, anticipates imaging, and equipment needs before and during the procedure, follows the progress of the procedure and facilitates an efficient flow.
  • Performs radiograph procedures using the proper exposure techniques, including manual and photo timed exposures Exams are performed using exposure tables, intensifying screens, buckies, collimators, filters, grids, and other technical aids to produce radiographs of diagnostic quality with the minimum of retakes. Adjusts as needed.
  • Monitors the examination by checking the computation, performance, and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images. Monitors the patient's physical condition, physiologic changes during the procedure and keeps the radiologist informed.
  • Reviews labs, medical history of patient for indications of his/her ability to tolerate the exam and for possible side effects.
  • Film badge must be worn when on duty and left in the department when off duty or on leave and must be changed once a month.
  • Adheres to the medical center protective equipment policy for fluoroscopic and other ionizing radiation exposure. Wears lead apron when helping radiologist in fluoroscopy, holding patients or doing any exams involving x-rays that the technologist cannot be six feet away from source. Provides radiation shielding for patients whenever possible.
  • Reviews requests for appropriateness before performing exams. Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification. Presents discrepant or deficient indications to the supervisory technologist or radiologist as appropriate.
  • Sets up the x-ray room assuring sterile supplies, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out.
  • Prepares and administers contrast material orally, by enema, or intravenously under radiologist supervision.
  • Monitors patient's vital signs during these examinations and initiates the appropriate response for varying levels of adverse contrast reactions.
  • Positions patient according to type of study, considering patient's physical characteristics, as well as patient's comfort and or ability.
  • Identifies trauma patients and uses appropriate modifications in imaging techniques and employs proper precautions to assure patient safety and comfort.
  • Properly labels, secures, prepares, and administers radiographic contrast material orally, intravenously, or by enema under the supervision of a physician.
  • Review labels, medical history of patient for indications of his/her ability to tolerate the exam and for possible side effect.
  • Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided.
  • Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients, This includes the maintenance of electronically secured spreadsheets, registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system and ensuring all images and required paperwork is properly filled out and scanned in the PACS system, in the correct orientation and on the correct patient.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
Work Schedule: Various tours to include weekend and holidays
Travel Required: No
Supervisory Status: No
Bargaining Unit: 1276
Promotion Potential: GS-8

Travel Required

Not required

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.

Basic Requirements:

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States.

Certification. All applicants must be certified in (Radiography) (R) certification is required.

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).]

Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.

GRADE REQUIREMENTS:

Creditable Experience

Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.

Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.

GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8

Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

General Radiologic Technology (R). DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).

Assignments. Employees at this grade level are 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.

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.

References: VA Handbook 5005; Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-647, Appendix G25 dated December 13, 2019

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

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 correctible 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.

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.

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 MAY 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.

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

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you are required to provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • vha-10-2850c
  • American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action


Resume Reminder: Your resume must include the following for each job listed:
1) Job title and grade level/salary. In order to show that you meet time-in-grade, you must document grades you have held and how long you have held them;
2) Duties (you must include enough detailed information to support your specialized experience);
3) Month and year start/end dates (e.g. 04/2007 to 04/2008);
4) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week);
5) Supervisor's contact information and whether or not the supervisor can be contacted.
6) Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
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 .

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
  • License
  • vha-10-2850c
  • American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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.

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