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. Responsibilities Advanced modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and its application in spiral, helical and multi-slice computed tomography, inclusive of volume rendering, 3-D imaging, Maximum Intense Projection imagery in addition to Multi-Planar reconstruction. Trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to advanced modalities as well as performing general diagnostic and interventional procedures. At this level employee requires specific skills and training in the location, appearance and function of the various organ systems, physiological systems a wide range of injuries and diseases associated with them. Capable of performing routine and complex CT examinations, as well as a basic understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology. Perform peripheral, visceral and cerebral angiography using bolus tracking, cardiac gating (prospective and retrospective gating techniques). Well-developed time management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize assignments and work within standardized operating procedures and scientific methods to achieve objectives and meet deadlines. Work independently when required, as well as be part of the team, including accomplishing multiple tasks in a rapidly changing environment with interruptions. General knowledge of diagnostic computerized tomography principles, procedures, views, and equipment, including some experience responding to traumas and various hospital emergencies. Possess written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including non-medical people. Remain current with knowledge of imaging technology, procedures, local policies, VA Directives, TJC Compliance and pertinent guidelines. Identify, evaluate and resolve problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established options, to include ability to assess factors that may contraindicate a procedure. Coordination of care with clinics and departments such as ICU, Anesthesia, lnterventional Radiology, Cardiology, General Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Emergency Department. Confers with Radiologists and other clinical staff to interpret all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness, and assessment of protocol based on clinical indication, research of Electronic Medical Records and patient presentation. Knowledge of the ordering process in the EMR, reviews the screening and contrast assessment forms for accuracy, employs the use of Pregnancy Screening Forms and Consent forms as required by policy, and researches all questionable information prior to initiating the exam. Applies infection control practices for all procedure, as mandated by Medical Center and Radiology Service Infection Control policies, to include performing exams utilizing aseptic techniques, minimizing hazards associated with invasive procedures, and proper disposition of all Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), and disposal of bodily fluids, sharps and other clean up as required. Prepares, administers and documents the use of contrast materials, including intravascular, oral, rectal, etc. to include appropriate first aid and emergency response measures in adverse reactions/situations. Implements radiation safety practices such as "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA), actively participates in dose reduction and optimization processes and exercises good judgment when evaluating diagnostic quality versus artifacts and anomalies that may require repeat exposures. Be cognizant of changes in patient's appearance, signs and symptoms of distress. Be continuously on alert for contrast allergies, IV extravasations, changes in mental statuses, patient's mobility and abilities. Champions Safe Patient Handling and Mobility initiatives and guidelines, to include use of patient transfer equipment/resources and advocates for others to employ safe patient handling practices. Perform irregular hour emergency scans on standby, 24 hours per day and call coverage. Call coverage requires 30 minute availability from receipt of call for effective emergency care. Autonomous regulation and completion of all Talent Management System training, Biennial Continuing Education requirements, Continuing Qualifications Requirements, America Heart Association Resuscitation Quality Improvement standards Work Schedule: Rotating shifts, On Call, Days, Evenings, Nights and Weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 56795A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact SLCEDRP@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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. 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 This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 21, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 04/03/2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. 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. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 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). DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. 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. 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 interrelationship 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 certification. Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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. 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. Preferred Experience: One year scanning experience post ARRT Credentialing highly preferred. Recent CT program graduates will be given consideration. Must demonstrate all of the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, Your experience must be detailed in your resume to receive full credit. Siemens Somatom or Definition scanning experience. Six Sigma LEAN certification References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25. 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-8 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: This employee functions in direct patient care. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (ORT) work requires long periods of standing and/or walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing/pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement and manipulation of moderately heavy equipment, which is generally power assisted, such as portable machines, hospital beds, gurneys, wheelchairs, and patent lift equipment,. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients to be done with assistance from other employees and various Safe Patient Handling & Mobility devices (i.e. EZ-MAT, overhead lifts, slider boards, etc.) provided by the Radiology Section. Near vision correctable at 13 inches to 16 inches to Jaeger 1 - 4 and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other is acceptable. Hearing aids are permitted. 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 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. 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.