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. Basic Requirements: U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may 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 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). English Language Proficiency. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-5: Entry Level (a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Assignment. DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties would be performed under closer supervision. GS-6: Developmental Level (a) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. (b) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure; Knowledge of anatomy and positioning; Knowledge of all patient safety procedures; Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment; and Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-7: Advanced Developmental Level (a) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. (b) Assignment. DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system; Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study; Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures; Knowledge of the function of computed radiography, Phosphor cassettes and computed radiography (CR) readers; Knowledge of PACS systems, and basic computer skills; GS-8: Full Performance Level (a) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. (b) Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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; and 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 5005/77 PART II Appendix G25. 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 in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (44 lbs and under); Moderate Carrying (44 lbs and under); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (up to 1 hour); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Both legs required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 4 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Hearing (aid permitted). Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. ["\"RECRUITMENT/RELOCATION INCENTIVE MAY BE AUTHORIZED FOR THIS POSITION\" This announcement will be used to fill position throughout VA Puget Sound at the GS-5 to GS-8 grade level. Employees at this level serve in a DRT career development position. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and require daily and direct supervision. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. 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. Also, must be competent in more advanced imaging to train other Technologists and Students on all aspects of Diagnostic Imaging, to include Quality Control. Major duties and responsibilities include but may not be limited to: Performs routine radiographs, portable exams, fluoroscopy, and OR imaging with supervision. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. The radiographer is qualified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. The radiographer must know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality; therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment. Utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the Radiologist. Performs Quality Control procedures, with supervision, which may include (but not limited to) the following: Reject/repeat image analysis, Lead apron & glove radiation verification. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients and staff while applying elements of the As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle. This is including appropriate use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, collimation, and distance management. Film badges are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations. Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the examination being performed. Explains to patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure. Explains examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients, so they are thoroughly understood. Maybe required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Identifies patient with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAPORHCS policy, confirms identity on order, properly identifies patient images and utilizes L(eft) and R(ight) markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur. Identifies system errors and work with the Supervisor, Assistant Chief Tech and BioMed department to facilitate the effective and timely service of radiographic equipment. Additional duties as necessary within the scope of practice for Diagnostic Radiography. Work Schedule: Day shift with rotating call during after hours, weekends, and holidays. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized. EDRP Authorized: Please contact the EDRP Coordinator @ V20CompensationTeam@va.gov. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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