Job Information
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Pain Clinic) in Anchorage, Alaska
Summary The incumbent is to operate and monitor commonly used equipment to perform routine and advanced positioning and imaging exams on all patients. They include but are not limited to bone, spine, and joint imaging and fluoroscopic procedures on ambulatory patients in a clinic setting and/or operating room setting under the supervision of and as requested by a physician. Responsibilities Duties will vary by grade. At the GS-8 full performance level of this assignment, the incumbent operates a variety of sophisticated radiation producing machines and ultrasound machines used to examine internal structures on human patients. Duties will include: Applies patient positioning technique, radiation exposure protocols, and adjusting equipment controls to set exposure factors to obtain useful diagnostic images. Applies radiation safety practices to minimize radiation exposure to patients, staff, and self by appropriate use of lead shields and collimation/distance management. Adheres to the principles of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) when performing exams. Wears film badge to monitor exposure. Effectively communicates with patients to assess identity using 2 identifiers, to discuss the exam and determine the best approach for the examination, to assess the patient's mobility, to create a level of comfort in patient preparation for exams, and to give specific intelligible instructions. Varies exam procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Uses patient lifts, moveable tables, weight bearing stands, and wheelchairs to safely position and move patients. Effectively communicates with coworkers to organize and execute the daily work of the pain clinic and with the interventionalist to provide meaningful images for the procedures and treatment of patients. Demonstrates and maintains current knowledge, continued education, and skills appropriate to care for interventional pain management procedures. Manages quality programs such as lead apron checks, peer review coordination, radiation badge monitoring, etc. Performs necessary quality control (QC), maintenance, and start-up/shut-down procedures. Ensure operation of radiology equipment by completing preventative maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; and calling for repairs. Uses available computers and software conduct assignments. Coordinates installation, validation, and training on a variety of software packages. Trains staff in how to and participates in keeping the reusable medical equipment (RMEs) properly cleaned and conditioned. Lead DRT reviews records and assures accuracy and completeness. Works with supply chain staff to maintain critical supplies such as clean linens and gowns and RME cleaning supplies, etc. Troubleshoots equipment problems, contacts necessary support such as Information Technology (IT), Vista Imaging, Bio-Medical, PACS Administrator, etc. Reports corrective action plans to the Supervisor. Uses proper identifiers and markers on images and may enter appropriate notes into the patient exam record. Prepares contrast (and other procedural) materials used under the direction of the interventional physician. Edits and when necessary, registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. Understands the principals of the use of PACS. Uses these electronic methods to complete procedures, assign accurate patient information to studies then electronically send images for interpretation. Participates in writing, editing, and producing service and station procedures and policies. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Compressed tour available, with supervisor approval. Telework: Not authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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 To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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). 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). TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED 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. COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED 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. ยง 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. 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. 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-5 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-6 Experience or Education: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. GS-8 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Preferred Experience: Previous pain management experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over), moderate carrying (15-44 lbs), straight pulling (1+ hours), pushing (2+ hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking and standing (4+ hours), kneeling (1+ hour) repeated bending (3+ hours), climbing - use of arms and legs, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near and far vision correctable, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Environmental factors: being outside and inside, dry atmospheric conditions, exposure to fumes, smoke, or gases, electrical energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around objects or vehicles, working with hands in water, exposure to vibration, working closely with others, working alone, protracted or irregular hours of work, working with hazardous medications, exposure to bodily fluids, exposure to radiation. 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 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.