Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. 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 complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more Responsibilities The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, Computerized Tomography (CT) requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems to be imaged; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and relationship of various organs; to utilize the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor; to understand the various stages of the examination in order to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use; to emphasize important aspects of the exams of particular interest to the physician. Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Utilizes highly sophisticated equipment such as computerized tomography scanners, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. taking education, training, and available resources into account for appropriate usage. Works with the radiologist/resident as a member of the radiology team. Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques for biopsies or aspiration of fluid of the anatomical region indicated. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT. Performs venipuncture for administration of contrast material when necessary, adhering to hospital and department policies and procedures related to this task. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. MPR, MIP, and 3D reconstructions are utilized to achieve optimal information for a proper diagnosis. Stocks all CT supplies and related materials. Performs and records quality assurance results performed per the Equipment Quality Control and Preventive Maintenance SOP. Trains new hires, students, and contractors in the safe and effective use of radiographic technique in acquiring suitable images for the radiologist. Reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography and is continuously on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. Performs routine housekeeping duties to ensure that the surfaces in the CT control area and CT rooms are free of blood, bodily fluids, and contrast material. Ensures proper and complete review of available resources. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate patient records. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers, cancels, and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Performs additional duties as assigned within the scope of practice for CT. Diagnostic & Fluoroscopic: Performs routine radiographs, portable exams, fluoroscopy, and operating room imaging. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. Utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the radiologist. Performs Quality Control procedures, which may include (but not limited to) the following: reject/repeat image analysis, lead apron and glove radiation verification. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. Interviews patient to obtain pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the examination being performed. Varies tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Explains examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients so they are thoroughly understood. Participates in the training of rotating x-ray students and technologists. Identifies system errors and work with the Supervisor, Assistant Chief Technologist, and Biomedical Engineering department to facilitate the effective and timely service of radiographic equipment. Work Schedule: To be determined by Service/Supervisor. This may include nights and or/weekends. Compressed/Flexible: May be available for a highly qualified candidate. This is coordinated by the Supervisor. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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). VA uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/ Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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. 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. 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). English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grade Determinations:GS-9 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. 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:(a) 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 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. 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, 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, or on film, 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. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Preferred Experience: This DRT/CT position will need to be filled with an ARRT certified DRT and certified CT, preferably with 3 years or more experience. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (3 hours), Standing (3 hours); Both legs required; Both eyes required; Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of color; Hear (aid permitted); Mental and emotional stability required. Environmental Factors: Working closely with others; Working alone Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a VA job announcement includes language requiring applicants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply to this Job Announcement. VA may request information regarding your vaccination status, if selected, for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. Due to COVID-19, VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. Management officials will provide information about returning to the official, pre-pandemic worksite, when applicable. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position. 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.