Duties
Duties of this position include but are not limited to:
- Scheduling exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases.
- Ensuring that the patient, exam and requisition all match, as well as ensuring the patient images include the correct patient and information.
- Explaining exams to competent patients as well as what hazards, if any, are possible.
- Reviewing each patient chart and previous images for consistency (examination order/ clinical diagnosis), and record pertinent data.
- Conferring with radiologists to determine requirement of nonstandard exams and contrast studies.
- Determining technical factors, positioning of patients, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce a satisfying variety of required CT scanning.
- Scheduling patients for examinations, as needed.
- Notifying radiologists of any abnormalities seen requiring their immediate attention.
- Preparing contrast materials that are used in CT examinations that require the use of intravenous and/or barium contrast media.
- Maintaining IV sites during injections of contrast materials.
- Performing IV insertions utilizing clean techniques as approved by JCAHO.
- Adhering to all infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on clean technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and sharps; proper attire, and hand washing practices.
- Performing peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal, chest, head and extremities.
- Working with the radiologist as a member of the radiology team.
- Assisting and anticipating the needs of the radiologists during the performance of the exam.
- Performing daily quality assurance procedures using a variety of phantoms to assure parameters and Hounsfield units arecorrect for the diagnostic interpretation of each scan.
- Recording and maintaining a log of calibrations and notifies biomedical engineering of any deviation from normal scanning parameters.
- Notifying supervisor/appropriate personnel of any needs for service.
- Practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self.
- Performing 3D reconstructions of CT when part of a standard procedure studies or when requested using the Vitra.
- Stocking and inventory of all CT supplies and related materials in the CT room and general radiology areas.
- Initiating applicable "incident reports" and reports incomplete and incorrect examinations to ensure proper patient charge and continuity of patient care.
- Assessing environmental safety hazards that include; changes in equipment and procedures that could harm patients, visitors or other hospital employees and reports all hazards to appropriate personnel or supervisor immediately, once identified.
Work Schedule: 9:30am-6:00pm Monday-Friday.
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available.
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PDF01820
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized.
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases; When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
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)
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
NOTIFICATIONS:
- This is a Bargaining Unit position.
- This position is in the Excepted Service.
- This position is covered by a special rate.
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
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.
- 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 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)).
- Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)(R). Advanced ARRT CT certification is required for assignments that include CT (Computed Tomography) duties performed independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination.
- English Language Proficiency. RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-9:
- Experience: This position requires you have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) that demonstrates the following clinical competencies needed to provide services for this specialty area, as follows: Checking scanners for operation, assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Calibrating parameters and make adjustments as needed; Reviewing patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Monitoring patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customers, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; Understanding of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- 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.
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).
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-9.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to: Lift, move or push heavy equipment, specifically cassettes, mobile x-ray equipment, stretchers and/or wheelchairs with patients in them; Assist in lifting patients who may be paralyzed, comatose or otherwise incapacitated, from stretchers or wheelchairs to x-ray tables and back; Provide physical assistance and care for patients in a timely manner in all circumstances; Reach overhead to manipulate an x-ray tube or CT injector that hangs from the ceiling.
Heavy Lifting (45lbs and over); Heavy Carrying; Straight Pulling; Pushing; Reaching above the shoulder; Walking; Standing; Repeated bending.
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/.
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:
- Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (CT)
- 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 (VA)
- Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (CT)
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
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 01/02/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12635144.
- 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.
- 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.
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.