The Incumbent operates independently without direct supervision as the DRT is responsible for the performance and coordination of diagnostic radiology examinations and procedures at VA Northern California HCS, Radiology Department, Mather, CA. 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. 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. 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), 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. 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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-8 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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 5005/119, Part II Appendix G25 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0647, Dated December 13, 2019. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - a physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. ["Diagnostic Radiological Technologist operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of diagnostic radiology examinations and procedures for the Radiology Department. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated.Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: Performs a variety of difficult radiographic examinations with the Diagnostic Imaging Department. Performs independently or as a member of the Diagnostic Imaging team to create quality images through the use of sophisticated computerized diagnostic radiology equipment. Independently performs routine radiographic examination of head, trunk and extremities for diagnosis of illnesses or injuries. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures. The using three portable x-ray Units and a mobile intensifier unit that is in Surgery achieve these exams. Oversees the scheduling of exams to assure patients will be seen in a timely manner. Documents exams performed. Prepares paperwork complete with prior reports to be presented with patient's folder to the radiology reading room. Operates highly technical Computerized radiographic equipment. Can troubleshoot when computers indicate equipment errors. Alters images prior to being digitally sent to reading stations for optimum visualization. Retrieves and sends images via the STENTOR PACS system. Compiles studies by accessing images through the computer archives. Maintains effective control of Radiology area by coordinating, planning, organizing, and executing the work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments. Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profile. Responsible for creating, implementing, collecting, critiquing, and preparing all written and oral reports of up-to-date data necessary for the completion of continuous and/or problem-focus Quality Assurance monitors representing the Radiology departments utilizing the 10-step Monitor & Evaluation method as required by JCAHO. Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of Radiology and incorporates these advances in the fields of Radiology and Cardiology and incorporates these advances into in-service educational programs for the nursing and physician staff. Provides training and in-service programs to aid in the instruction of nurses and physicians on procedures, operation and/or maintenance of new and existing medical equipment. Establishes written procedures and protocol for use with new medical equipment. Liaison for complaints and requests from patients, physicians and other personnel concerning activities between the VAMC and Radiology department such as: appointment schedules, examinations, policies and procedures. Works closely with the radiology staff at the VA Medical Center in coordinating and integrating all activities. Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and can make minor repairs and/or adjustments. Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representative. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Registers, requests, cancels, and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS). Compiles computer generated x-ray reports and distributes to appropriate clinics and physicians. Work Schedule: Typically, Monday to Friday; 0800 - 1630; Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
