Career Center

This is an open continuous announcement and applications submitted prior to December 23, 2021 will be pulled and rated for referral. Further ratings will occur every week thereafter until position is filled. Once a selection has been made, no further candidates will be rated/referred unless further vacancies occur. This announcement may be canceled at any time. 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: Must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)(R). AND have ARRT advance certification for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies recognized by the Department of Education. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA policy. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: GS-09 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. Example of experience include but not limited to providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services; works with specialty modality requiring knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging; working with safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter; and have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) 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 radiograph Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, APPENDIX G25. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-06477, Dated December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is grade level 8 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 9 Physical Requirements: A physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. ["The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-MRI operates various types of radiography equipment, both fixed and mobile units, including digital and cassette acquired images as part of the diagnostic imaging plan for patients. Routine examinations include but are not limited to radiographs of the skull, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, spine, extremities and soft tissue studies; contrast studies of the digestive system, lower extremity venous system, joints and other internal organs and systems. Major duties include but not limited to: Takes images in three cross-sectional planes to include axial, coronal, and sagittal. On a daily basis, activates the proper MRI software programs, data processing, archival, and data transfer systems. Modifies coil selection, field of view, pixel size, and number of averages, to affects the image signal to noise ratio as needed and confers with the system engineers regarding software integration and adjustments of the operation of MRI and the patient monitoring equipment. Obtains optimum imaging with regards to patients' pathology, takes additional images to fully illustrate any abnormalities. Corrects for motion artifacts and repeats or alters exams accordingly. Injects contrast material per Radiologist direction for MRI exams as required and advises Radiologist of those examinations which require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination. Interacts with patients, explains exam procedures, positions patients within the MRI scanner, and monitors patients during all phases of the examination. When operating the MRI, coordinates with Radiologist to determine the most ideal parameters and technical factors of the magnet for each individualized patient examination. Monitors the examination by checking computations, performances and results of the selected parameters, to obtain the best diagnostic computer data and images. Explains procedures and positions to patients for desired results, and cushion and shield patients as appropriate, uses left and right markers to correctly identify body parts. Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist per protocol. Maintains electronic records and files of patient exams and performs clerical and file room duties related to patient care. Uses established business rules to enter administrative notes in the system, including clinic visits, IV removals and reports supply shortages to supervisor, as well as equipment failure. Work Schedule: (Intermittent) varied and/or as needed. The candidate should expect to be placed on any but not limited to the of the following tours of duty:\nMonday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm\nMonday through Friday 3:30pm to 12:00am\nMonday through Tuesday 11:30pm to 8:00am and Saturday through Sunday 8:00am through 8:30pm\nThursday through Friday 8:30pm to 8:00am and Saturday through Sunday 8:00pm to 8:30am\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]