Duties

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more

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Responsibilities

Employees at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in Diagnostic Radiology in areas of radiologic technology, computed tomography (CT) and/or general radiologic technology services.

Some duties include, but are not limited to:

• Receive requests or instruction for procedures.
• Interpret requests or instruction from radiologist, lead technologist, or medical officers.
• Employee understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor or a higher graded technologist when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is required.
• Patient identification is obtained using two patient identifiers.
• Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate.
• Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures.
• Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, and intravenously for some procedures.
• Operate computerized radiography as well as conventional radiology equipment, as well CT equipment.
• Determines technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage), sets controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure.
• Select and set technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations.
• Set up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures.
• Uses power injector for contrast enhanced CT procedures.
• Performs procedures such as urethrograms and G.I. procedures and sets up the X-ray room.
• Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out.
• Schedules patients for examinations.
• Register patients for examinations and updates status as necessary.
• Review new developments in the field and recommends to the head of the unit adoption of those which would improve the operations of the radiology section.
• Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries.
• Uses DR equipment and maintains supplies, and cleans equipment and area after use.
• Performs routine QC and equipment calibration and recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment to ensure repair.
• Cleans, makes minor repairs and adjustments to X-ray equipment and accessories
• Reviews CT/DR images and transfers images to PACS.
• captures images via DR and CT, applies an algorithm, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system.
• Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized tomography.
• Lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the (scan).
• Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table.
• Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures.
• Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures.
• All other duties as assigned, pertaining to this occupation, to meet the needs of the Agency, Department, Facility, and/or Service.

Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:30PM
Telework Eligible: Not eligible for Telework
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Travel Required

25% or less - You may be expected to travel to other VA Maryland Health Care System Medical Centers and Community Based Outpatient Clinics up to 25% of the time 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

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:

• Citizenship. Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Certification. 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), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. 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).
• Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard 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. 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 it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry.
• Physical Requirements. In addition to the below musthave the mental, emotional, and physical ability to satisfactorily perform the duties of the proposed assignment and pass the requisite laboratory and other screening as required by Federal regulatory agencies.
• English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English.

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-9 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 drainages, 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 inter-relationship 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 interest to the physician.

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

*Examples of assignments and knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) at the GS-08 grade level include but are not limited to: Assignment: 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. KSA's: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

AND

KSA'S: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures; Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers; *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure; Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography; Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions; Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25, dated 12/13/19

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-9.

Physical Requirements: There will be standing, bending, carrying of light items, and operating heavier items such as utilizing the mobile xray machine, and utilizing the C arm in the Operation Room. Assist with the transfer of patients from stretcher or wheelchair to the radiographic table for Computed Tomography and/or General Imaging studies. Must be able to lift/move 40lbs or more.

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
Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

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

• Resume

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
• VA Form 10-2850C - Application - https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf .

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 Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference .

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.