Summary The Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is seeking a Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT). This position will be located in Houston, TX. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024 or until all positions are filled. We reserve the right to close this announcement early. Responsibilities Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The duties of the Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) include but are not limited to: Works under the supervision of the Outpatient Clinic Administrative Officer and /or Lead Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the CT section. Works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and the Lead Technologist on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis Extremities, 3D Reconstructions of CT, Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas, Run- Off's, including. The radiographic goal of CT is to provide high quality axial imaging; generate the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient. Works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and Lead Technologist on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT, to include CT Angiography and other exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, the technologist must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Technologist is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material, when necessary. Performs daily Quality Assurance to include documentation of the required data. Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre- op, urgent, and routine exams. Works with CT schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments. Optimizes scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergent cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergent patient. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies, notifying supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance. Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures. Confers with Radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scans. Makes minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Technologist will check equipment for proper function prior to performing procedures. Technologist must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner through Maximo and follow-up email to lead technologist, CBOC Director, Bio-meds and PACS, so as proper attention is ensured to maintain the integrity of the equipment. Work Schedule: Various shifts/hours. Tour of duty will be identified upon call for interview. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-00241-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment medical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. 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. 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: In addition to meeting the above Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Grade Determination criteria below: Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) GS-10: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 1. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. In order to qualify, the experience must demonstrate that the candidate independently provided services in computed tomography with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. To receive credit, you must demonstrate the experience through job tasks and list hours worked per week in your resume. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) in their resume: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. Certification. 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. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (CT) certification. You must submit a copy of your unexpired certification from American Registry of Radiologic Technology, advanced ARRT (CT) to receive credit. Preferred Experience: Knowledge and applications of placements of IV's. Minimum 5 years of hospital experience / patient care. Knowledge of basic nursing care duties, skills including CPR. Ability to assess patient as well as monitoring vital signs. Interpersonal communication---ability to act as a liason between family member and patients as it relates to patient care. Ability to work closely with all medical personal to include but not limited to Doctor's, RN's, DRT's, Management. Knowledge of sterile techniques / maintaining sterile field. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: 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 correctable 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.