Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Tec Job in Durham, NC

Vacancy No. CBSW-12740529-25-LD Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $104,787.00 to $136,217.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/22/2025 Close Date 6/2/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Durham, NC


Summary

National Teleradiology Program (NTP) provides remote, 24/7/365 reading of Radiology studies from VAMCs throughout VHA NTP's Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) is the most technically complex, mission-critical medical system currently deployed across VHA. NTP maintains a System that includes a PACS database/central archive with associated servers and software that can receive studies from all VHA facilities and provide final reports directly back into the originating sites.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Current Permanent VHA National Teleradiology Program Employees.

Duties

Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - PACS functions as a Lead for a group of DRTs at the GS-10 level and below, as well as GS-301-9 PACS Assistants within the NTP Support organization. The Lead Technologist performs the full range of NTP PACS Technologist duties and possesses broad expertise in the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area supported by NTP. The Lead functions will comprise greater than 25% of the duties.
The Lead DRT/PACS Technologist is accountable to the Supervisory PACS Administrator.
The incumbent must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

  • *Skill in directing on-the-job training for employees.
  • *Ability to evaluate work performance of lower-level employees and recommend performance ratings.
  • *Skill in technical planning and oversight to set and adjust work priorities and ensure that work requirements are met based on employee capabilities.
  • Ability to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including knowledge of growth and development.
  • *Knowledge of the medical center, VHA, and government-wide human resources management regulations, policies, and procedures.
The incumbent's principal responsibilities are to provide leadership, training, and direction to a team of NTP PACS Technologists and PACS Assistants. They will provide technical and operational support to increase the efficiency of the NTP Support workgroup, which will positively impact NTP Radiologists and NTP's clinical customers. They will also perform high-level PACS Technologist functions by preparing and organizing teleradiology exams sent across the VA-wide area network to the NTP PACS and ensure that reports are successfully transmitted back to the originating site's electronic medical record. They will also monitor critical and noncritical callbacks to ensure they are completed and documented. He/she will interact with NTP Radiologists working from multiple locations and will routinely interact with facility-based DRTs and clinicians in multiple departments across each hospital NTP supports. Weekend, holiday and shift work will be required for this position to ensure coverage during hours of NTP operations. The incumbent will oversee the performance of quality control activities on all cases submitted to NTP to ensure that the exam is complete, given the modality and procedure description, they will verify relevant priors are available (either via export from the local/VISN PACS or NTP initiated query/retrieve) and will assist remote DRTs at other VA locations in the preparation, case edit, and transmission of images to NTP. The incumbent will possess knowledge of the VA hospital environment and day to day role of DRTs working in V HA radiology departments. The incumbent will solve transmission issues from local/VISN PACS to NTP PACS. The position requires fundamental knowledge of computer hardware, Radiology, and PACS workflow, which can be obtained through education and experience in the field. The incumbent will continuously monitor and improve procedures in his/her section and actively participate in quality improvement activities within NTP. Lead DRT/PACS Technologists 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. They assist the NTP PACS Administrators with oversight and support of PACS display workstations, interfaces, secondary applications, speech recognition, and other hardware that is critical to NTP efficiency and throughput.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 9a-730p. May include weekends. Or as determined by the supervisor.
Compressed/Flexible:This may be authorized at the supervisor's discretion.
Telework: AD HOC ONLY.
Functional Statement #: 07877-F
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 the 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. 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 physical examination.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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 has 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.]
  • 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. This exception only applies to the GS-5 entry-level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
  • 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.
  • 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).

Grade Determinations: [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:
  • Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The technologist functions as a lead technologist for a group of DRTs at the GS-10 level and below. The technologist performs a full range of general radiologic treatment procedures and possesses broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area. The technologist is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):
    • *Skill in directing on-the-job training for employees.
    • *Ability to evaluate work performance of lower-level employees and recommend performance ratings.
    • *Skill in technical planning and oversight to set and adjust work priorities, and ensure that work requirements are met based on employee capabilities.
    • Ability to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including knowledge of growth and development.
    • *Knowledge of medical center, VHA, and government-wide human resources management regulations, policies, and procedures.
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-0647-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-0647-11

Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary, and there will be extended periods of time using and sitting in front of computers. Requires visual acuity to identify image quality and monitor quality issues. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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.

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.

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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:

  • License
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

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-50s (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  • Cover Letter
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • 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 that 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.

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 06/02/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12740529.

  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.

Agency contact information

Leslie Doyle
Address
Palo Alto VA Medical Center
3801 Miranda Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94304
US

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.


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