Summary Provides coverage to the Imaging Department as an advanced level Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA) who enhances patient care by extending the capacity of the Supervising Radiologist or other physician with equivalent experience or training. The role falls between the traditional roles of the Radiologist and Radiographer. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to the following: Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures. Reviews pre-procedure work-up and when necessary, conducts the imaging exam, ensuring adherence to radiation safety techniques. Determines technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment with the capability of conduction imaging procedures such as fluoroscopic exams and invasive procedures. Performs image analysis and guidance to ensure successful needle placement via supporting modalities. Assists radiologist and/or nursing with monitoring and administering IV therapy. Assists radiologist with sedation medications, vital signs, ECG monitoring of patients receiving moderate sedation. Observes and assesses patients who have received moderate sedation. Capable of performing and documenting radiology focused physical examination with analysis of data and report findings to supervising radiologist or another physician. Knowledgeable and proficient in protocolling and advising on radiology orders. Able to assess lab values and contraindications to procedures. Writes patient discharge summaries for review and co-signature by radiologist. Administers contrast and general medications prescribed by the radiologist as defined by local policy. Confirms patient identity by using two approved patient identifiers. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential to prevent mistaken identity of patient images. Performs time out as required prior to procedure start. Works with pathology to successfully obtain samples. Provides special instructions/patient education to follow-up exam. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies. Practices sterile technique for all invasive procedures. Follows procedures for the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and all items classified as sharps, proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures. Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures. Provides educational training for technical staff. Assists with accreditation and compliance. Consistently communicates with and treats customers in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00 am to 4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 82645F 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. 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. 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 Applicants must meet qualifications requirements at time of application. Basic Requirements for this Occupation: 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. Candidates will not be appointed under the authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who are not proficient in written and spoken English. Education-Transcripts Submitted- Completion of a Radiologist Assistant program, and a bachelor's degree approved by the ARRT. 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 C.F.R. Part 75 - Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Applicants 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 Department of Education, and be certified as radiographer (RT). Except as noted below, applicants must also have passed the ARRT exam and obtained Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA) certification (documentation submitted) GS-11 Requirements-(SF-50 Supplied if Applicable): Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience includes but is not limited to the following: RRAs at this level perform and/or assist with complex invasive procedures, such as embolization and interventional oncology procedures in the Interventional Section, receiving guidance and direction from the radiologist or other supervising physician, regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for the more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be assigned to provide specialty service in the Interventional Section. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience listed above the applicants must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. GS-11 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the KSAs listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to perform complex invasive procedures in the Interventional Section under the direct supervision of the radiologist or other supervising physician. Skills to maintain image quality in multiple sections of radiology. Ability to function with initiative and progressively independent judgment within his/her sphere of responsibility. Advanced knowledge to prioritize exams and procedures. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: 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. 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 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. 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. 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.
