Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (PACS)

Full Job Description

The DRT provides guidance, instruction, maintenance and troubleshooting in the daily operation of the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), voice recognition system (PowerScribe 360), and the radiology package in Vista.

The Advanced DRT/ PACS Administrator serves as a specialist providing support in the clinical operations and management of digital imaging acquisition, processing, display and storage, and in database management.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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).

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.

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.

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 meeting the basic requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements for a GS-10 DRT: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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.

Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control.

Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality.

Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system.

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.

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-10.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: 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. Major Duties:

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include but not limited to: Provides planning, guidance, instruction, maintenance, training, and troubleshooting in all PACS related systems/components.

Provides first line, technical support, for image transmission, voice recognition, and image display errors within all imaging modalities.

Initiates appropriate repairs when possible and instructs users in the proper operation or contingency processes.

Initiates help tickets and/or work orders when the scope of work needed exceeds the on-site technical level. Investigate system malfunctions to determine the root cause of the issue.

Defines and isolates specific issues using available diagnostic recovery techniques and initiates corrective actions.

Monitors PACS and executes contingency operations in the event of planned and unplanned downtimes, disaster responses, or elevated security risk situations.

Oversee all aspects of implementation of software and upgrades to the PACS system including VISN 9 primary and backup data centers.

Set up PACS Workstations for Radiologists at all sites of care, including remote PACS Workstations.

This includes the assembly, set up, configuration, calibration, and confirmation testing for all PACS related components including the actual workstation(desk), monitors/mounts, keyboards, mouse/touch pad, voice recognition system, and any additional PACS-related items requested by the end users.

Monitors PACS, voice recognition, and other related systems including applications systems, network interface software, modality interfaces, and system administrative software.

Evaluates system performance by utilizing various tools, capacity planning, and imaging maintenance to adjust system and operation parameters as necessary. Performs daily support in PACS operations.

Monitors PACS, voice recognition (VR) and related systems including application systems, networking interface software, imaging modality interfaces and system administrative software.

Monitors daily exams to identify and update dictation (VR) status, modality image (DICOM) failures and assures integrity of images and data integration between VISTARad and PACS.

Uses standard approaches to perform a variety of duties related to digital image support issues.

Responsible for maintaining and activating contingency downtime procedures for PACS and voice recognition image and report distribution.

Work Schedule: Weekends Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 71410-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized