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: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determination GS-9: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the Grade 9 level: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the following clinical competencies described at that level: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; and, (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. In addition the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical Knowledge, Skills and Assessments (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 of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Ultrasound): (a) Experience performing X-Ray examinations within the last three years. (b) Experience performing Ultrasound Imaging within the last year. (c) Possess ARDMS Registered Ultrasound Technologist Certification or ARRT Sonography (S) Certification References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix, G25, December 13, 2019. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-9. Physical Requirements: This position requires bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles, Reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required), prolonged walking, prolonged standing, repeated bending, Specific visual requirement-Glasses permitted, Hearing (aid may be permitted) Good distance vision, ability to read without strain, lifting incapacitated patients, twisting, pushing wheelchair patients, lifting/pushing stretcher patients ["The incumbent serves in a specialized duty assignment-Ultrasound as an advanced performance level Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT). At this level they are the expert in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The duties of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Ultrasound include, but are not limited to: Operates various healthcare and radiology specific information systems to receive, document, and transmit information in the performance of their duties. This includes but is not limited to operating picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) to transmit imaging studies to the interpreting physicians. Performs other duties as assigned. Verifies requests for accuracy and completeness of information to include clinical symptoms. Explains patient preparation prior to the examination. Interviews the patient to acquire clinical history. Confirm the patient's identity and maintains confidentiality in accordance with governing policies. Verifies that informed consent is obtained when necessary and follow's the VA's chaperone policy. Selects proper imaging equipment, techniques, and patient positions to acquire medically diagnostic information to assist the interpreting radiologist in determining a diagnosis. Uses proper body mechanics and ergonomics when performing sonographic examinations. Recognizes and administers basis emergency care when needed. Monitors auxiliary equipment to support the patient's needs while in the department. Utilizes standard precautions and follows appropriate procedures when in contact with patient in isolation. Adheres to sterile or aseptic techniques to prevent the contamination of sterile equipment and/or supplies. Properly cleans or disinfects transducers and equipment. Follows the VA's equipment sterilization procedures. Ensures the equipment is properly operating within safety standards in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Operates accessory devices. Performs operator-level quality assurance tests and occasional trouble shooting activities on imaging equipment in accordance with local policies and within the manufacturer's specifications. Initiates work order requests or other corrective measures as needed. Identifies blood-borne, respiratory, and other safety hazards; reports them to the appropriate individual if the incumbent cannot resolve independently. Communicates with other sections of the healthcare facility to coordinate diagnostic and therapeutic activities. Communicates with the patient, guests, family members, and other healthcare workers to achieve desired outcomes. Does not interpret imaging examinations or communicate opinions associated with a diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment plan with patient or family members. Utilizes the VA's \"I-CARE\" model to resolve basic customer complaints. Consults with the supervisory staff to resolve complaints above the incumbent's ability to resolve. When assigned, independently operates general X-Ray producing equipment to produce diagnostic quality images. Uses imaging protocols to determine preparation, patient positioning, radiation doses, and other factors to produce images that meet the facility's quality standards. Evaluates the conditions of the assigned work and deviates from imaging protocols under the general guidance of the supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 520-00202-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Brandilyn Wasson at brandilyn.wasson@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
