Summary

The position is in the Medical Imaging Department at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System where the incumbent performs a variety of routine and very difficult radiographic examinations and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure. The incumbent operates equipment both mobile and fixed and assists the radiologist/physician in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients.

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 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 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).] English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• 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 employee
• Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - (GS-08) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):a
• * Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures;b
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers.c
• * Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure;d
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography;e
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• andf
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09
• References: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over
• moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• pushing up to 4 hours
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking - prolonged standing
• repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• speed in working
• and emotional stability
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

Duties

• Duties include - but not limited to: Reviews request for appropriateness before performing exams
• Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria - the clinical history provided on the request - interviews the patient - reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification
• Receives patients and ensures proper identification
• Provides patient education
• Continually assesses the condition and the needs of the patients to ensure patient safety - comfort - cardiovascular intervention and privacy
• Performs portable exams throughout this facility
• Processes images by using (CR) Computer radiography - including specific exposure requirements - and digital postprocessing techniques to optimize image quality
• Demonstrates fundamental knowledge of the DR network and interface with the VISTA imaging and PACs and contingency procedures for manually entering patient demographics and routing images
• Performs the full spectrum of radiographic exams - including standard radiographs - gastrointestinal exams - genitourinary exams - arthrograms - myelograms and plain tomography
• Utilizes textbooks and radiologist to perform exams requiring specialized or modified techniques
• Ensure compliance with infection control standards and practices
• Incumbent will display a cooperative attitude and will effectively work together to implement the organization's mission and goals
• Employee participates in a manner that complies with their facilities GEMS and governing environmental policy - as well as Federal - state - and local statutory - regulatory - and other environmental requirements - including \"Greening the Government\" Eos
• Incumbent will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible
• Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files
• Incumbent will display consistently courteous - respectful - and cooperative in nature attitude with management - co-workers - patients and the public
• Complies with all safety and radiation rules and regulations for safe job performance and fire protection
• Incumbent attends scheduled mandatory and non-mandatory training sessions and participates in safety promotions
• Supports maintenance of inventory supplies - ensuring that outdated - damaged or otherwise unusable items are discarded
• Work Schedule: Monday- Friday - 8:30 am- 5:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 71142F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized