Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Current permanent federal employee

Functions:
Designs and maintains a quality control program for digital radiographic images and all radiology modalities to include, but not necessarily be restricted to, evaluation of image quality from modality thru to the viewing monitor(s). The incumbent is responsible for the assessment of imaging quality throughout the "imaging chain"; from exam production by the assigned Technologist, arrival of the image into the modality processing computer, transfer of the image from the modality to the PACS, ensuring the electronic matching of the images with the Radiology report via Voice Recognition dictation system. This program will meet the intent of the American College of Radiology and Joint Commission recommendations. Incumbent develops methods for the collection and retrieval of computer information from established systems to enhance analysis of program related data.

Develops Quality Control methods and programs to evaluate and monitor the imaging techniques of the technologists in each imaging modality. Incumbent ensures that documentation is maintained regarding departmental QC programs on equipment and notifies imaging Service management officials and biomedical engineers if results deviate outside acceptable tolerances. Ensures adequate documentation is maintained on Quality Management systems to trend analysis of data. Incumbent provides impartial data to front line supervisors pertaining to technologist's efficiency and expertise of imaging to aid them in oversight and training of those techs who fall short of established guidelines.
Retrieves information requested by Imaging Management. The incumbent extracts workload for staffing and utilization studies, staff performances using VISTA and or other relevant data sources. Request may require development of File man scripts for general ad hoc reports and data sets and importing to Microsoft Office Software to analyze and view data.

Knowledge of process improvement and continuous quality improvement, Joint Commission, FDA, ARRT, and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and VHA quality standards, policies and, regulations necessary to diagnose and systematically solve complex problems within complicated systems of care. Knowledge of applicable accreditation and survey requirements imposed on the service line including inspection criteria and grading methods as they affect the needs and demands upon the administrative management of the various divisions
Additionally, coordinates a quality control program for all other complex modalities within the Radiology Department, including but not limited to, x-ray, fluoroscopy, MRI, CT, Ultrasound, mammography, and interventional radiology. In some cases, this will involve coordination with QC technologists already in place in those modalities, or with the supervising technologist of those modalities. In other cases, a QC program will need to be designed and implemented for the modality.

Imaging medical records quality responsibilities. Identifies and determines training needs for Technologists and Physician staff with regard to all relevant elements of documentation of imaging information/notes/reports in CPRS and/ or VistA. The incumbent maintains accurate records as required by management and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) for quality assurance analysis, quality control, performance improvement and other related purposes.

Responsible for leading Quality Improvement committee in the Department of Radiology and reporting on quality issues identified in each modality. Develops performance improvement plans and corrective actions based on findings. Monitors outcome of improvement plans to ensure success. Responsible for conducting extensive research and compilation of daily data from diverse sources. Extracts and assembles information, conducts analysis and develops reports or presentations.

Identifies and determines training priorities, conducts and administers training programs, develops and improves training guidance. Provides training to Radiologists and Technologists in proper / efficient use of imaging hardware and software in use of QC/VR, PACS, Vista and CPRS software. Incumbent coordinates with Clinical Application Coordinators (CACs), and vista Imaging Coordinators in training and development of instructional materials for display of radiographic images at clinical workstations.

Performs daily support in PACS operations. Monitors PACS, voice recognition and related systems including application systems, networking interface software, imaging modality interfaces and system administrative software. Evaluates system performance by utilizing various tools, capacity planning, and imaging management/maintenance to adjust system and operation parameters as necessary. Oversees all aspects of implementation of software and upgrades to the PACS system.

Work Schedule: M-F 08:00am to 4:30pm

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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical 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

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.
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.
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.]
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.
Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level.
Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
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).

4. GRADE REQUIREMENTS.
Creditable Experience
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.
Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.
Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.
Specialized Assignments. Picture archival communication system (PACS)
Picture Archival Communication System (PACS) Technologist. Technologists working in this special assignment use their knowledge of radiology workflow and processes in conjunction with a specialized technical skillset to support and troubleshoot image processing, display, and storage systems. The PACS technologist also provides oversight and support of PACS display workstations, interfaces, secondary applications, speech recognition and other hardware that is critical to departmental efficiency and throughput.
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-11 [ ]
Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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:
[PACS Technologist. This position serves as a liaison for the Office of Information and Technology (OI&T), Biomedical Engineering staff and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize imaging including distribution capabilities; develops methods and programs to evaluate, monitor and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems; serves as team leader in planning, developing, and instructing users in the operation of PACS network elements, the integration of these with related systems, and recommends corresponding upgrades. This position researches and or/analyzes problems, issues, or program requirements supporting the functions of a digital imaging system; performs complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links necessary to interface with the HIS (Hospital Information System), Application Entity (AE) titles, individual and user group creation, and access management, system filters, exam code dictionaries, DICOM configuration testing, hanging protocols, voice file exchange, and other duties associated with this position. The incumbent ensures compliance with all national and VA information and security requirements, including archiving of images to VistA imaging. The 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.

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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11

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:

• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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 (VA)
• Other (1)
• Other (2)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

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

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