Duties

Summary

Technologists in this position perform the technical aspect of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Individuals in this position perform a varied array of complex scans in a hospital environment, which serves a patient population consisting of both inpatients and outpatients. Individuals in this position use specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, complex computing and physics to complete their work tasks.
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Responsibilities

As a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI), you will be responsible for performing the following radiologic examination procedures using a variety of diagnostic equipment:

• Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy.
• Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from radiologist or medical officers.
• Independently carries out the requests made by physicians, adjusting and utilizing appropriate codes for exams.
• Understands and carries out the requests made by physicians and only rarely seeks assistance of a higher graded technologist when a unique or new procedure is required.
• Interviews patients about their medical history and obtains electronic screening form.
• Ensures that the patient screening process has been performed to that contraindicated materials and medical devices are kept outside the area of the magnet.
• The operator must be aware of the danger of ferrous objects causing bodily injury or even death when brought into proximity of the magnet. Special precautions to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the magnet area must be taken.
• The operator must at all times assure that the patient to be scanned in not wearing a pacemaker or have other internal or external ferrous objects that could cause injury when the patient is brought into proximity of the magnet.
• For contraindication precautions, the operator will generate computer requests for X-Rays of the orbits to check for metal in the eyes, take skull X-Rays to make sure patient does not have aneurysm clips.
• Radiologist reviews the X-Rays to see if the patient can have the procedure, contact operating room about implants the patient has had, and call the manufacturer about the safety of implants.
• Screens patients prior to the exam to determine if there are any contraindications to the procedure or to the patient being exposed to a magnetic field (such as metallic foreign bodies, contraindicated medical devices, etc.
• Allays patient anxiety by informing patient about what the MRI examination entails and what the patient can expect. Constantly monitors all equipment brought into the MRI environment to ensure it is MRI safe or MRI compatible.
• Instructs patients to remove all metal objects from pockets or body; watches, chains, earrings, belts, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic devices and wallets for their safety. Uses patient safety devices as necessary to ensure safety.
• Ensure the patient screening process has been performed so that contraindicated materials and medical devices are kept outside the area of the magnet.
• Monitors special equipment such as monitors, pulse oximeter, ECG, infusion pumps, oxygen equipment and respirators.
• Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of the MRI scanning. Notifies radiologist of scans requiring their immediate attention.
• Performs reconstructions of MRI studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Maintains proficiency on reconstruction techniques. Technologist is expected to troubleshoot equipment for error or malfunction.
• Is aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center, and participates in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) that document the process and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME and follow established procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME and follow established procedures for all RME.
• Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients.
• Uses word processing software to execute several office automaton functions, such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files, activating printers, inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda, and transmitting and receiving e-mail through Microsoft Outlook.
• Technologist must ensure knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric age groups, ability to assess and interpret data about the patient's status, and ability to identify age-specific needs and provide the appropriate care based upon the age related factors noted. Sensitivity to the special needs of all patient in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:45am-4:30pm With Rotating On-Call Weekends
Supervisory Status: No
Travel Required: No
Bargaining Unit: 1276
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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

Basic Requirements:

Citizenship. Must be a citizen of the United States.

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. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. [In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.]

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.

BLS Certified.

GRADE REQUIREMENTS:

Creditable Experience.

Knowledge of Current Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.
Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. 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.
Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound(S), computed tomography (CT), [ ] magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)], quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor.]

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. 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. This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of super conducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter into. The practitioner must have specific specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in Computerized Radiography (CR) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). DRT assignments that have performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.

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-9

Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

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.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures.

ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.

iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure.

iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography.

v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.

vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

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-09

Physical Requirements: Position requires moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; light carrying, under 15 pounds; bending, stooping and standing up to 6 hours a day. Requires long periods of standing, walking, and sitting Involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items such as cassettes. The use MRI scanners requires twisting, turning and repeated bending, lifting of coils, moderate carrying, reaching above shoulder, and ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients Position patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

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).

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 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:

• License
• vha-10-2850c Application
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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 Application
• 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.