Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Full Job Description

This incumbent serves as an integral part of a large Imaging Department within the Minneapolis VAHCS.

This is a complexity level one facility with a National Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC), Amputation Regional Center (ARC), Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program (PRTRP), Polytrauma Network Site (PNS), Comprehensive Pain Center (CPC), Visual Impairment Services Outpatient Rehabilitation (VISOR) Program, and the Center for Integrative Health and Healing (CIHH).

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). 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. Experience.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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 health care 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.

Preferred Experience: Preferred candidate is comfortable communicating with all levels of customers, is organized, discreet and has the ability to multitask; can work in both a team atmosphere and independently.

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-9.

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. Major Duties:

This occupational series may be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $40,000 annually, up to $100,000 in lifetime awards.

Participants must sign a three-year service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. Contact VHAV23SLRP@va.gov for more information.

Duties include but are not limited to the following: The incumbent uses their knowledge of radiology workflow and processes to perform varying job duties.

The Technologist is responsible for providing clinical applications training, user access support, and training in the proper/efficient use of imaging hardware and software for various end users in Radiology and other clinical areas.

The Technologist gathers relevant information from the medical record to provide customer support to patients and staff and create ad hoc reports to update executive management.

He/She assists with long range planning and support of the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Imaging order menus.

Accomplishing objectives may require collaboration with other technical or clinical healthcare personnel, ie., PACS Administrators, Imaging Supervisors, physicians, CACs, OI&T, and Biomed.

The DRT works with modality supervisors to promote continuous improvement of healthcare systems and patient care; Represents Imaging as a point of contact person to balance the needs of patients, staff, and diagnostic Imaging care Provides support for software testing and computer system downtimes.

The incumbent identifies training priorities and administers clinical training programs for Imaging PACS, Vista and CPRS functions as well as develops, and improves training guidance.

When workflow problems occur within the department, the incumbent assists with troubleshooting problems, placing work orders and other requests for assistance.

The incumbent knowledgeable in universal precautions, Basic Life Support, aseptic techniques, procedures related to radiography and ionizing radiation, and is able to identify factors that may contraindicate an imaging procedure.

The incumbent gathers relevant information from the medical record as required by management to document quality assurance analysis, quality control, and other performance improvement measures as well as maintaining accurate records and reports to demonstrate compliance with Joint Commission.

Incumbent serves as a resource to identify problems with Imaging equipment and communicate with vendors and HIS/RIS developers to ensure that working technical knowledge is always current Stays informed on image-related computer software developments and application packages throughout the VA and the community as well as current developments in imaging systems.

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. Ensures that all security and privacy requirements are maintained when involving PHI.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: AD HOC Emergency Telework MAY BE authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized