Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist) Job in Cincinnati, OH

Vacancy No. CBSR-12629845-25-JS Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $90,440.00 to $117,569.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/12/2024 Close Date 1/10/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Cincinnati, OH


Summary

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist) position is assigned to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Radiology Service; Nuclear Medicine section within the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. The Cincinnati VAMC is a 1B facility.

This is an open continuous announcement. We will be accepting applications and will refer applicants on a weekly/bi-weekly basis until the position is filled.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to all Eligible U.S. Citizens.

Duties

VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Major Duties:

  • Work independently
  • Adheres to all ALARA (As low as reasonably achievable) practices regarding radioactive material
  • Receives packages into the Hotlab
  • Reviews packages to determine if it is properly packaged and takes appropriate actions
  • Performs package wipes and surveys of incoming/outgoing packages
  • Documents receipt/disposal of packaging
  • Properly documents the receipt of radioactive material for patient or research use.
  • Properly performs HOTLAB quality control to include: dose calibrators, well counters, uptake probes, GM meters, and ion chambers on a daily, quarterly, annually basis when applicable.
  • Perform daily/weekly surveys and wipes for radioactive contamination monitoring.
  • Perform spill clean-up and document the actions taken in accordance with NRC/NHPP regulations.
  • Utilizes proper methods for the use and storage of radioactive material.
  • Monitors and disposes of radioactive material in accordance with NRC/NHPP regulations.
  • Prepares radioactive material for transportation.
  • Analyzes circumstances contributing to radiation exposure and recommends procedures to minimize exposure.
  • Perform all routine nuclear medicine imaging procedures.
  • Perform all routine non imaging nuclear medicine procedures.
  • Perform all daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual nuclear medicine camera quality control to include daily floods and center of rotation validations and calibrations when needed.
  • Evaluate the results of camera quality control to ensure reliable images.
  • Prepares proper instruments, computers and auxiliary equipment and acquires the study as indicated by the protocol/SOP
  • Makes new SOP's independently for new procedure when needed.
  • Prepares and performs cardiac monitoring and assists with stress testing by starting IV's and ensuring all monitoring equipment is functional.
  • Troubleshoots equipment and makes a judgement on the acceptable performance of the equipment prior to initiating a study.
  • Assesses the performance and transfer of images to PACS (Picture Archiving System)
  • Perform radioactive blood labeling, in-vitro and in-vivo, with proper documentation.
  • Adhere to USP 825 standards for labeling blood products and food preparation for radiolabeled eggs/food.
  • Maintains records of quality control procedures, administered doses and other daily checks as required by NHPP, NRC, THE JC, OSHA, VA Regulations and other licensing agencies.
  • Schedules patient studies in the appropriate sequence for single /multiple procedures and interact with hospital staff regarding exam preparation.
  • Receives the patient and provides proper nursing care during Nuclear medicine procedures.
  • Performs patient transfers using approved methods such as, but not limited to, patient lifts and roller boards
  • Recognize emergency conditions pertaining to the patient or hospital environment and acts appropriately to resolve the condition.
  • Effectively communicates with the patient, family members, and staff.
  • Provides safe and sanitary working conditions.
  • Prepares the patient for the procedure.
  • Obtains patient history and checks procedural contraindications.
  • Selects and administers the appropriate radiopharmaceutical by the proper route.
  • Performs any other assigned tasks required by the nuclear medicine leadership.
Work Schedule: Tour of Duty to be discussed during interview process. Multiple tours may be available.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 91137-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): 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, if required.
  • 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.
  • English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
  • Certification - You 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:
    • Completion of a NMTCB-recognized nuclear medicine technology program; OR
    • 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.
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: You must have at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level directly related to the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.

In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • 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.
Preferred Experience: N/A

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of this position include lifting, prolonged standing and sitting, frequent bending, walking (distance), climbing (steps, ladder, etc, reaching (overhead, extensive/repetitive), repetitive motion and stooping. The mental/sensory requirements include recall, reasoning, problem-solving, hearing, speaking clearly, writing legibly, keyboarding, reading and logical thinking. The environment's pace can vary from steady to a fast pace requiring handling of multiple priorities, frequent, sometimes intense customer interactions, and the ability to adapt to frequent changes in a calm and quiet to noisy environment. There may be the need to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to disease, illness and hazardous materials. The use of safe patient handling equipment is required when appropriate to prevent potential injury to both patients and staff. There will be heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, and moderate carrying 15-44 pounds. Environmental factors: inside work, constant noise, solvents, fumes, working around machinery with moving parts. Working closely with others or working alone. The hours of the work can vary.

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/.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

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:

  • 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)
  • Other (2)
  • Other (3)
  • 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 01/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12629845.

  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.

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.

Agency contact information

Jennifer Shifflett
Address
Cincinnati VA Medical Center
3200 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45220
US
Learn more about this agency

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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