Diagnostic Rad Tech (Gen) Job in Columbus, OH

Vacancy No. CBSR-12608725-25-BN Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $61,998.00 to $80,595.00 Grade 8 to 8
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/13/2024 Close Date 11/25/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Columbus, OH


Summary

Employees at this grade are qualified at the full performance level for Radiology Service at Chalmer's P. Wylie VAACC in Columbus, Ohio. Independently operates radiology equipment both mobile and fixed and assists the radiologist in fluoroscopic procedures. Performs radiologic exams ordered by medical providers and used to diagnose medical conditions as part of an overall patient care plan. Works under the direction of the Chief of Radiology by way of the Radiology Supervisor.




This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens

Duties

Duties Include but are not limited to:

A. Receives requests or instructions for a wide variety of complex radiology examinations. Contacts provider for verification of request if necessary. May perform as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts or in a detached clinic. Understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor, a higher graded technologist or radiologist when an uncommon, or new procedure is required. Has detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy.

B. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and performs triage to prioritize. Notifies radiologist if exam requires immediate attention.

C. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures and positions to patients for desired results. Also, cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions. Monitors patient for physiologicchanges. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or, in some circumstances, intravenously under close supervision by the Radiologist.

D. Operates digital radiography equipment. Determines technical factors, sets controls, and ensures that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. Ensures ALARA principle is applied for every exam. (As low as reasonably achievable). Performs daily and weekly quality assurance tests to ensure proper equipment function.

E. As a team member with a radiologist, performs procedures such as, but not limited to, IVP, urethrograms, G.I. series, modified barium swallow and barium and air contrast barium enemas. Sets up the exam room. Ensures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are available.

F. Performs X-ray and C-Arm work in Surgery. Performs C-Arm work in the Pain Clinic.

G. Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary. Performs clerical duties as they relate to patient care. Accesses the medical record as necessary to view laboratory results or to verify exam order.

H. Reviews new developments in the profession and makes recommendations to implement processes which would improve radiology operations.

I. Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Cleans equipment and area after use. Performs routine maintenance and quality control. Recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment in a timely manner.

J. Performs picture archival (PACS) duties. The technologist captures digital radiographs, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting to PACS. This procedure requires a general knowledge of computer operations. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in digital radiography as lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph.

K. Works as a clinical preceptor for radiology students when assigned.

L. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 91582-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized



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 physical examination.
  • 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.
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 candidates must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) after completion of a full time 24-month training course or equivalent post high school program.
  • English Language Proficiency
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, completion of 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled which demonstrates knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics that are directly related to the specific assignment. For GS-06/7/8, completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and directly related to the position being filed.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to adjust as needed.
3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist Informed.
5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G25 & G17

Physical Requirements:
Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1 hour); Pushing(1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours);Repeated bending (1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted).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).

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.

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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography
  • Resume
  • Transcript



The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript



Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/25/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12608725.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Brent Nixon
Phone
614-257-5503
Fax
614-257-5505
Email
Harry.Nixon@va.gov
Address
Chalmers P Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic
420 North James Road
Columbus, OH 43219
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.