Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Picture Archive Communication System)

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent Internal Salisbury NC Veterans Healthcare System facility employees (includes HCCs/CBOC (Charlotte, Kernersville, Salisbury). Submit SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action to verify status. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, Picture Archival Communication System (PACS) operates integrated digital imaging systems across multiple modalities including General Radiology, Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, and Mammography. Serves in a multi-functional role encompassing Imaging ADPAC (Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator), PACS Administrator, and Quality Assurance (QA) Technologist responsibilities. Other duties/responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Serves as PACS Administrator supporting digital imaging systems including image processing, storage, retrieval, transmission, and display across all sites. Performs At least 50 percent of assigned duties in PACS Administrator functions.
• Maintains system performance, functionality, and operational continuity of PACS and integrated imaging systems. Monitors system performance and capacity and adjusts operational parameters as necessary.
• Provides advanced troubleshooting of imaging systems, modality interfaces, display workstations, and image transmission errors. Diagnoses system malfunctions, isolates cause and implements corrective actions or coordinates resolution with OI&T, Biomedical Engineering, and vendors.
• Provides support for system upgrades, implementations, and testing of new imaging technologies. Participates in contingency planning, downtime procedures, and disaster recovery operations. Ensure system communications and interoperability across all imaging locations.
• Assists in the development, implementation, and oversight of Imaging Service Quality Management (QM) and QC programs.
• Monitors and evaluates imaging quality from acquisition through final display. Develops data collection and analysis methods to support performance improvement and operational efficiency.
• Performs QC testing at required intervals (monthly, quarterly, annual) and ensures compliance with established standards.
• Provides objective performance data to supervisors to support staff oversight and training. Ensures compliance with Joint Commission, Food Drug Administration (FDA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) standards.
• Provides training to Radiologists, Technologists, Clinicians, and trainees on VistA, CPRS, PACS, and imaging systems. Coordinates training activities with CACs, system administrators, and PACS personnel. Supports affiliated academic programs and ensures appropriate system access and functionality for trainees.
• Serves as Imaging Service ADPAC and subject matter expert for the VistA Radiology/Nuclear Medicine package and VistA Imaging interface.
• Provides long-range planning, system configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of VistA Radiology, DHCP packages, and Voice Recognition systems in coordination with OI&T.
• Builds and maintains system files including menus, security keys, HL7 interfaces, CPT codes, exam structures, workload capture, and radiology-specific configurations..
• Coordinates with Clinical Application Coordinators (CACs) for CPRS integration, quick orders, and workflow optimization. Manages user access, system permissions, and system functionality across all imaging sites.

Performs other duties as listed in functional statement.

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Work Schedule: Full time, 7:30am -5:00pm, Tuesday - Friday/(2nd week Monday - Thursday)
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
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)
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)
Telework: Ad-hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment health evaluation..
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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. (1) 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
Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
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).

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).

Creditable Experience: (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non- paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT.(2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.
GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the applicant must meet experience and demonstrate all KSAs requirement.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-11
Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-10) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, PACS technologist, clinical program director], or an assistant chief radiologic technologist.
Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:
Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist. The PACS technologist provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems. The technologist performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. The technologist coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. The technologist provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware. The technologist provides training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems. The technologist provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, etc. The incumbent may function as a DRT which may include complex modalities such as CT, MR, mammography, ultrasound, and/or IR.
Candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
i. Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes.
ii. Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and OI&T.
iii. Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems.
iv. Ability to lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements.
v. Ability to perform complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links, AE titles, individual and user group creation and access management, etc.
vi. Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security.
vii. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation.

Preferred Experience:

• Demonstrated experience serving as a Diagnostic Radiologic PACS Administrator or PACS Coordinator in a multi-modality imaging environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing PACS operations, troubleshooting image workflow issues, supporting DICOM interfaces, coordinating system upgrades, maintaining image integrity and availability, and providing end-user training.
• Demonstrated skill/knowledge of VHA imaging informatics, quality management, and regulatory requirements.

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-11.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

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.

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

• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Next steps