Summary The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) for the Imaging Service at the VHA WNY HCS. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists complete assignments in specialized areas that include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R) (to include general OR procedures and Fluoroscopy studies), and computed tomography (CT). Responsibilities General Radiologic Technology -DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of Lead Technologists and Imaging Manager. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by radiologists to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with Federal regulations. Computed Tomography (CT)- This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, cardiac CTAs and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. The technologist performs Interventional CT biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. The technologist prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT, to include CT Angiography and other exams. This specialty requires knowledge of I STAT procedures and insert IV needles for administration of contrast material. The technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved by optimizing technical factors and ensuring all policies and procedure are adhered to and maintaining knowledge in CT dose optimization. The technologist is competent and maintains all computed tomography protocoling requirements. The technologist works with CT schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-today adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments. Optimizes scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergent cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergent patient. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification in computed tomography (CT) to work independently. Quality and Safety for Imaging- The technologist performs daily inspection of radiographic units to ensure proper mechanical functionality as assigned by leadership. The technologists must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Technologist must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner through the vhabuf 114 equipment email group or nursing supervisor on non- administrative hours if patient care is impacted, so as proper attention is ensured to maintain the integrity of the equipment. The technologist complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided. Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace. Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service-level safety promotions as directed by supervisor. Knows fire drill and emergency plans for work area, including location of all emergency fire equipment. Work Schedule: Variable Tour of Duty -The position includes computed tomography, general X-ray assignments and OR on call responsibilities on a rotational basis Position Description Title/PD#: Diagnostic Radiologic Tech (CT)/PD000000 Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019 This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Requirements Conditions of Employment Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3g.) Physical Demands: Describe Physical Demands of the Position. This work may involve assisting individuals off of the bed. The position also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items English Language Proficiency: Ability to communicate in spoken and written English with patients and other health care personnel with sufficient fluency to satisfactorily carry out assigned responsibilities, in accordance with Public Law 95-201. Whistleblower Protection Program: Respects each employee's right to voice concerns about what he or she feels is a violation of law, rule, or regulation, or gross mismanagement, an abuse of authority, a gross waste of funds, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. Qualifications A copy of the position's grade level Assignment Title and Qualification Requirements are below. Additional qualifications for this position can also be found in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25.Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9Experience. 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. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM @type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (): Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and healthcare providers. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. *Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. NOTE: Qualifications found within Appendix G are to be used without modification. Per WMC regulations, qualifications may not be added or removed. Education 1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level (GS-7) For a GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), both an education (Associate's/Bachelor's) and specialized experience, plus current ARRT certification (R) Radiolography, with VA emphasizing additional certifications (CT) for complex duties, requiring knowledge of advanced positioning, anatomy, and patient care, often exceeding basic levels by demonstrating independent, complex exam performance, fulfilling OPM standards for the 0647 series. Additional Information The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
