Summary The San Diego VA Healthcare System is currently recruiting a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Mammography in the Radiology Service. The DRT Mammography performs a variety of both general diagnostic x-ray and mammography examinations. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 24, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be May 8, 2023, with subsequent cut off dates on a bi-weekly basis until the closes. Responsibilities VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography) Independently performs a variety of both general diagnostic x-ray and mammography examinations. The diagnostic x ray portion of the position includes all types of routine and specialized exams within the department, in the Operating Room, the Emergency Department, or portable exams on the Nursing Units in Mammography, this includes both initial screening mammograms to very difficult diagnostic and magnification views. Continuously monitors and documents the performance of the imaging equipment dedicated to mammography to fulfill the requirements for the FDA, MQSA, and VHA. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: The technologist will independently operate mammography equipment to obtain examination of high quality. The technologist will independently perform screening, diagnostic, appropriate supplemental procedures, breast loci and biopsy exams. The technologist will independently make routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. The technologist work closely with the lead technologist to perform quality control to record, track and maintain appropriate data. The technologist provides corrective actions and troubleshooting, and notifies the biomedical engineer as needed. The technologist accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain high quality images. This includes, but is not limited to, general diagnostic exams, Dexa scans (bone densitometry), fluoroscopy procedures, portable radiographs, and C-arm procedures in the Operating Room and Pain Clinic settings. The technologist is responsible for performing and maximizing utilization of all exam rooms and radiologic equipment. The technologist will determine technical factors (i.e., calculates the correct exposure factors of time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage), set controls and operates equipment ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. The technologist adjusts technical factors for very difficult radiographic examinations. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures in a safe manner.. The technologist will case edits exams in a timely manner, and record any comments, fluoro time, patient dose, contrast media, time out procedures or any variations from protocol. The technologist ensures the successful transfer of images to Vista and PACS. If a failure occurs with image transfer the technologist contacts Supervisor and PACS administrator. As a team member along with a Radiologist, the technologist performs procedures such ascholecystograms, cholangiogram, HSG, loopogram, VCU, GI series, and single and air contrast barium enemas. Sets up the X-ray room; assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters and other required equipment are present and laid out. Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist, for the purpose of performing exams, such as, cystogram, exams of the GI tract, including UGI's, single and double BE's, and small bowel examinations. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams. Technologist provides timely and appropriate access to health care by implementing "Best Practices". Schedules patients for examinations. Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary. Performs clerical and file room duties as they relate to patient care within the section. Must be knowledgeable of all aspects of Diagnostic X-ray. The practice of Mammography is regulated by the VHA according to ACR standards and in compliance with the FDA's MQSA. Technologists involved in performing mammography are required by these regulations to be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and must have advanced ARRT certification in Mammography. The incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of ACR standards, VHA requirements and policies and the FDA's MQSA regulations associated with radiographic quality control techniques. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 11:30am - 8:00pm (Variable shifts, holidays, and on-call as needed for patient care). Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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 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).] 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. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment 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). Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above, applicants must meet the grade requirements for 1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level GS-8. 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9. 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 (*): *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. Specialized Experience: Mammography (M). The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification.] References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25, December 13, 2019. Preferred Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience with digital, 2D, and 3D Mammography highly preferred. Mammography license in an active and current status. Experience with weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual MQSA testing and requirements. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending, lifting, and carrying of light items such as DR plates. There is occasional moderate exertion such as lifting assisting other technicians in lifting and positioning patients. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of SPH approved devices. 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. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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).] 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 Paid Time Off: 37 days of annual paid time offer per year (13 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. 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). 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.