Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Clarification from the agency

This vacancy announcement is opened to current, permanent VA employees ONLY. Be sure to submit your most recent SF50. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Duties include:

• Responsible to work closely with other technologists using encouragement, training, and other motivational means to obtain the highest quality images. Help other technologists, when necessary, i.e., difficult, or uncooperative patient, heavy workload, etc. Maintain and encourage an environment of teamwork and a positive workplace. Coordinate's lunch and breaks. Coordinates and monitors workflow and reports performance issues to the Chief Technologist.
• Coordinate the flow of patient through the general radiologic department by efficient assignment of work and maximum utilization of staff and equipment. Expedites the examinations of patients by communicating and working with Radiology staff, nursing, and radiologists.
• Review all diagnostic radiographic studies for accuracy, completeness, and technical quality. Perform image quality assurance for proper labeling, technique, positioning, and network information. Oversee image transmission and acquisition process to ensure that
  all radiographic images are transmitted into the PACS. Troubleshoot problems with all general imaging equipment, performs daily reconciliations of image data and corrects any discrepancies allowing for prompt interpretation by the Radiologist.
• Expedite examinations of acutely ill patients by communicating and working with Radiology staff, nursing, and staff physicians to ensure patient care is continued without delay and or interruption. Work with other services (OR, ER, ICU, Nursing Home) to meet the imaging
  needs of other services in locations outside the Radiology department.
• Coordinate the repair and installation of imaging equipment. Serve as the liaison between the Imaging Supervisor and Biomedical Engineering. Recommend equipment improvements, repairs, upgrades, etc. Participate in developing specifications for new equipment requests. Participate in developing service contract specifications.
• Advise employees within their section of performance requirements. Keep them informed in meeting of these requirements. Resolves conflicts within his/her jurisdiction as appropriate; refers problems to supervisor only when necessary.
• Work with the Radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Perform diagnostic and fluoroscopic procedures which include radiographic examinations at the bedside. Prepare contrast materials used in general imaging. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the Radiologists and the performance of exams performed.
• Provide clinical instruction to students from affiliated programs. Technical expertise is effectively shared with the students to ensure their clinical and didactic education. Facilitate the attainment of established program objectives by aiding in diagnostic
  procedures and equipment.
• Follow established Quality Assurance guidelines and protocols to ensure integrity, availability, authenticity, and confidentiality of imaging data transmitted by the various modalities. Comprehensive knowledge of quality control and quality assurance policies, procedures, and principles. Assist and provide evaluation and reports findings to the Chief Technologists.
• Apply principles of ALARA to minimize exposure to patients, staff, and others. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, proper exposure factor and equipment, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technologists to
  assure compliance to radiation regulations.
• Coordinate with and assists the Radiation Safety Officer and Physicist in compliance testing or radiologic equipment. Will be conscience of non-compliant issues in a proactive approach.
• Implement departmental and Medical Center policies. Ensures activities are carried out to meet the goals of the department in a timely manner. Interacts with representatives from outside agencies such as JCAAHO, VISN and VHA when necessary.
• Perform imaging exams using direct radiography (DR). All examinations are processed digitally. This work includes computer manipulation (window/level), correct orientation of the images (hanging protocol), patient acquisition through work list and releasing images to storage system (PACS) and burning of images to CD. Knowledge of procedures and protocols results in accurate and properly processed radiographs.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 4pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 40956F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
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 dentification 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).
• 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 b referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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.
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• 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).

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:

GS-10: 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.

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 11 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 incumbent] functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs [at the GS-9 level and below]. [The incumbent] provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a broad 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 and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

1. Ability to provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work.
2. *Ability to resolve informal employee complaints.
3. *Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures.
4. Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 10.

Physical Requirements.

1. Frequent standing for extended periods of time.
2. Repetitive bending, stooping, reaching (including overhead and extensive reach) to position patients and equipment.
3. Must be capable of lifting, pushing, and pulling patients, equipment, or supplies - typically up to 50-100 pounds.
4. Ability to maneuver and position patients of varying mobility levels, occasionally requiring the use of assistive devices ( e.g., Hoyer lift, stretchers).
5. Extensive fine motor dexterity is needed for precise equipment adjustments, contrast media preparation, and digital interface operations.

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:

• Documentation of current general radiologic technology certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R)
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

NOTICE REGARDING REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: All applicants MUST submit ALL required documents at the time they submit their application package. Applicants that DO NOT, WILL NOT be considered. All federal employees must submit their most recent SF50 from their eOPF to be considered.

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 (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Documentation of current general radiologic technology certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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