Summary
The incumbent will provide a wide range of image processing routines in the Nuclear Medicine Network. Provides a wide range of specialized nuclear medicine procedures, including both diagnostic imaging and therapy with unsealed radioactive materials. This technologist will be responsible for performing and evaluating all quality control procedures, maintaining equipment, setting up imaging protocols and processing all nuclear medicine data and imaging sets.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to the public (all US Citizens).
Duties
Kansas City Veterans Affairs is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans. Duties of the position include but are not limited to:
- Assists quality assurance technologists in performing quality assurance testing on the ultrasound equipment using phantoms, test tools, test check lists, etc. for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment. Maintains records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be needed.
- Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains imaging cameras and associated equipment, dose calibrators and well counter.
- Verifies uniformity and spatial resolution of photomultiplier tubes with a radioactive flood source and bar phantoms. Performs accuracy and linearity checks verifying dose calibrator response to absolute quantities of radioactivity.
- Prepares, assays, and administers radiopharmaceuticals, as prescribed, from radionuclides and pharmaceutical kits and conduct and analyze results of quality control procedures on the radiopharmaceuticals while maintaining aseptic technique.
- Schedules and receives patients and request transportation of patients taking into account the type of study requested and the physical condition of the patients, previous nuclear medicine and radiology examinations, and prerequisites for exams. Explains procedure to patients to help allay anxieties and enhance patient cooperation.
- Checks patients and their clothing for contamination and objects that may cause a false positive study. Determines if additional and different views are needed for a definitive diagnosis.
- Performs dynamic and static imaging procedures on patients to include proper patient positioning, operation of equipment, film development and identification.
- Performs computer operations utilizing acquisitions, processing, and storing parameters as defined by computer software. Analyzes processed data for quality and accuracy of results.
- Judges the quality of scans and exercise technical adjustments and quality control over work performed.
- Receives radioactive material packages, conducts surveys and records results.
- Practices compliance with NRC regulations by conducting and recording daily, weekly and quarterly surveys of the work area including radiation monitoring performed with a survey meter and wipe tests to detect designated surface contamination sites. Performs radionuclide therapies in collaboration with the Nuclear Medicine Physician.
- Recognizes potential radiation contamination by visual and mechanical methods. Determine exposure rates and take necessary actions according to ALARA to minimize contamination and exposure to self, co-workers and the general public accordingly. Report incident to the Radiation Safety Officer as needed.
- In the absence of an RSO or Nuclear Medicine Supervisor, demonstrates thorough knowledge of personnel requiring film badges and can read and understand the badge reports.
- Performs the various clerical tasks including record keeping systems, dose records of patients, results of equipment calibration, radiation monitoring records, equipment maintenance and receiving, processing, distributing and the storing of supplies.
- Interacts with individuals from the differing regulatory agencies as necessary.
- Assists technologists, radiologists, and administrative staff in the performance of duties as necessary. Maintains and encourages an environment of teamwork and a positive workplace.
- Instructs Nuclear Medicine and Radiology students, new technologists, residents and others on techniques, procedures, equipment use, etc.
- Performs other duties as assigned as it relates to Nuclear Medicine and serves as liaison between various administrative services of the medical center.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8 hour Day shift start 8a-4:30p
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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 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.
- 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).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
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:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Certification. All applicants must be certified in nuclear medicine technology by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (N). NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification eligibility requirements are normally satisfied by one of the following:
(1) Completion of a NMTCB-recognized nuclear medicine technology program,
OR
(2) Completion of a nuclear medicine technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT),or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), culminating in a certificate, associate, baccalaureate, or master's degree. Educational programs must have structured clinical training sufficient to provide clinical competency in radiation safety, instrumentation, clinical procedures, and radio-pharmacy, as deemed acceptable by the NMTCB.
c. Exceptions. Non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate NMT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ยง 7405 (a)(1)(D). Failure to obtain certification [within 1 year from the date of appointment] is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. This may 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:
GS-11
Experience: For assignments above the journey level, the candidate must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.
Assignments. For all assignments above the journey level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. NMTs at this level are fully functional as an advanced NMT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. NMTs in this assignment perform fusion imaging such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and/or positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (PET/MR) procedures that include non-diagnostic low dose CT attenuation corrected or MR fused images. They carry out these complex assignments independently. Assignments may include advanced therapies. The work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate ALL of the following technical KSAs:
- Ability to produce and assess high quality fusion and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results.
- Practical knowledge and skill in the use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome.
- Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings.
- Knowledge of CT and/or MR radiographic techniques utilized in quality control and acquisition parameters.
- Ability to recognize and correct fusion imaging system errors.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G19
Physical Requirements: The incumbent will be required to stoop and bend to lift patients. The incumbent will spend a great deal of time on their feet. Occasionally there will be the necessity to move heavy equipment to various rooms. Technologist handle radiopharmaceuticals carries that is shielded with heavy barriers. The technologist will receive and handle shipments of radiopharmaceuticals with large amounts of shielding which will require significant physical effort to receive and store in a proper manner.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.
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.
Review our benefits
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:
- Professional Certification
- Resume
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
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- 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.
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 09/26/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12527076.
- 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.
- 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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
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.
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