Summary Incumbent provides guidance, instruction, maintenance and troubleshooting services in the daily operations of the Radiology Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS), Voice Recognition (VR), Vista Imaging interface, the VISTA radiology package and other software packages in imaging. The incumbent serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and quality management of all Imaging informatics systems, including digital image and voice acquisition, processing, storage, and more. Responsibilities Major duties include, but are not limited to: Researches and/or analyzes problems, issues, or program requirements supporting the functions of a digital imaging system. Determines pertinent issues and collects relevant information from a variety of sources. Reviews information and applies standard analytical techniques. Develops recommendations and proposals required to maintain and advance Imaging informatics Supports Vista Radiology, PACS, other informatics systems and general ADP AC duties within Imaging Service Line and coordinates support throughout the medical center. Develops methods and programs to evaluate, monitor and maintain the quality of digital imaging and voice recognition systems. Ensures that all responsibilities are fulfilled in an efficient, timely, and satisfactory manner. The incumbent is a key member of the PACS Implementation Oversight Group, dedicated to the planning, developing, installation and operation of VISN 23 PACS. The incumbent will serve as a liaison for OI&T, BIS and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize Imaging and clinical operations as well as distribution capabilities. Uses standard approaches to perform a variety of duties related to digital image support issues. Conducts extensive research and compilation of data from diverse sources. Extracts and assembles information, conducts analysis and develops reports or presentations. Instructs users in proper operation and work-arounds when appropriate, or works around, and initiates and coordinates repair requests with services or vendors when necessary. When systems fail to respond to established procedures, consults with technical manuals to arrive at a resolution. Assists bio-medical technician to investigate system malfunctions to determine the cause. Contacts vendor representatives to determine the cause of problems that do not respond to available problem solving techniques. Monitors equipment controlling environment and executes emergency procedures in case of natural or man-made disasters and security risk situations. In conjunction with bio-medical personnel, performs daily support in P ACS operations. Ensures acceptable levels of system performance by utilizing various tools for monitoring system performance, capacity planning, and imaging management/maintenance to adjust system and operation parameters as necessary. In conjunction with bio-medical personnel, oversees all aspects of implementation of software and upgrades to the P ACS system. Identifies and determines training priorities, conducts and administers training programs, develops and improves training guidance. Provides training to radiologists and technologists in proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software and in use of P ACS, VR, Vista and CPRS software. Coordinates with clinical service Clinical Application Coordinators (CA Cs) in training and development of instructional materials for display of radiographic images at clinical workstations. Designs and maintains a quality management program for digital radiographic images to include, but not necessarily be restricted to, evaluation of image quality from modality to viewing monitor. This program will meet the intent of the American College of Radiology and Joint Commission recommendations. Develops methods for the collection and retrieval of computer information from established systems to enhance analysis of program related data. Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required or provided. Identifies problems, gathers data, performs analysis, and proposes solutions to problems and barriers to establishment of an efficient, cost effective digital radiology environment. Provides analysis of user needs and recommends appropriate hardware and software solutions. Assists users with design of local software applications. Work Schedule: 08:00 to 16:30; Monday through Friday Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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. 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 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. 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). Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. 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. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. Grade Determinations: Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist, 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. AND Certification: Advanced ARRT certification. Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). AND Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate MUST demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems. ii. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. iii. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. iv. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality. v. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system.vi. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G39 Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. 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. 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.
