Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Tec

Clarification from the agency

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

The incumbent is assigned to the Diagnostic Radiologic Technology (DRT), X-Ray Section of the Radiology Service, independently performing standard and complex radiographic examinations. The Lead Technologist communicates and interacts between multiple clinics and services throughout the Medical Center. They provide workflow directions to the x-ray staff and provide administrative support for the supervisor. They provide initial training and ongoing mentorship for our employees and students. Expert knowledge of radiation safety, and the ability to extract information from patients' medical record is essential to provide safe, diagnostic procedures for all populations of patients.

• Performs radiographic exams
• Consults with radiologists to determine the requirements of non-standard exams.
• Utilizes patient's electronic medical records to review blood laboratory results, document progress notes, identify and flag irregular orders, and record allergies or contraindications related to contrast studies.
• Triages assignments and manages the overall workflow for the x-ray modality on a daily basis.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping records via VATAS.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating AMION on-call scheduling system for the Diagnostic Radiology Technology section.
• Performs a comprehensive range of radiographic procedures, including general radiography, fluoroscopy, portable imaging, and operating room studies.
• Assists the supervisor in assessing staffing requirements by analyzing past, present, and projected workload trends, and supports the development of weekly and monthly schedules. Organizes and coordinates daily assignments, including lunch and break rotations, ensuring efficient distribution of work among Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (DRTs) to optimize turnaround times for routine, urgent, and emergent examinations.
• Contributes to the orientation and training of new technologists and supports the supervisor in instructing staff on specialized procedures, as well as the implementation of new or updated policies. Participates in educational initiatives, including departmental in-service, and provides input into the evaluation process for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist.
• Serves as a liaison between the Radiology department and Biomedical Engineering, facilitating communication and collaboration on equipment-related matters.
• Ensures the availability of adequate supplies to meet workload demands through a systematic approach to ordering, receiving, and inventory control, working closely with the inventory specialist and acquisitions team. Oversees that all room are consistently stocked with necessary supplies, with particular attention to emergent equipment and materials. Assists the supervisor in identifying and recommending methods and products to reduce costs and/or enhance quality and ensures that supplies are properly stored in a timely manner.
• Conducts daily quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks for imaging equipment as needed, promptly reporting any errors or issues to the supervisor. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety protocols, with particular emphasis on sterile techniques, proper storage of sterile supplies, disposal of body fluids and sharps, appropriate attire, hand hygiene practices, and participation in ongoing education.
• Maintains electronic records of patients.
• Ensures accurate patient and image identification for all examinations.
• Responsible for explaining procedures and potential risks to patients in a clear and compassionate manner.
• Manages patient flow efficiently and systematically.
• Assists in training other department personnel, new personnel, personnel with modified performance plans, and any students who may rotate through as part of their clinical education.
• Responsible for ensuring and maintaining cleanliness within assigned technical work areas, and coordinates with Environmental Management Services (EMS) as necessary.
• Demonstrates a commitment to exemplary radiation safety practices by adhering to established safety procedures.
• Accepts duties/assignments outside of their normal workstation for purposes of receiving additional training, tour changes, and staff availability. Actively seeks out work when assigned tasks are completed. The incumbent performs assigned duties with minimal supervision during normal and off-tour hours.
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of the technical operation and routine maintenance of computers, disc drives, consoles, imaging devices, and related equipment.
• The Lead Technologist is an integral member of a team that provides 24-hour coverage, including after-hours and on-call availability, to respond to emergencies requiring radiographic procedures.
• The employee's relationship with supervisors, co-workers, and others within the organization is consistently courteous and cooperative in nature and overall contributes positively to the effective operation of the Diagnostic Imaging Service.

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.
• 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.

1. 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.)
2. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
3. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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.

(2) 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 at 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.

(3) 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.

5. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

6. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

GRADE REQUIREMENTS

1. 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 nonpaid 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 paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.
   3. 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.

GRADE DETERMINATION. 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

1. 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 described at that level:
   1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
   2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments 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.
2. 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:
3. Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs at the full performance level and below, providing input on performance, resolving daily workplace issues, and maintaining efficient workflow. Provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a general knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
   1. Ability to provide technical oversight and assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload utilizing the personnel to the greatest advantage thus providing the optimal level of patient care within the workday.
   2. Ability to plan, direct, and distribute work assignments to DRTs at lower grade levels.
   3. Skill in instructing and training DRTs on newly acquired equipment.
   4. Ability to plan and project staffing needs.
   5. Skill to independently perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.

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:

• 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.

Next steps