Summary This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammo) position is assigned to the Richmond, Virginia, Radiology Service, General Diagnostic Radiology and Mammography sections within the Central Virginia VA Healthcare System. The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Mammography, employee at this level is fully functional as a DRT, in both General Diagnostic X-Ray, and Mammography sections, and carries out the assigned tasks independently. Responsibilities Include but are not limited to: This specialty modality (breast imaging) requires specific knowledge of breast imaging examinations including Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), mammography (digital and tomosynthesis), ultrasound, breast imaging procedures and extensive knowledge of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), VHA and FDA requirements for mammography/breast imaging, ACR accreditation in mammography. Performs difficult and highly specialized radiographic examinations of the breast (mammography) utilizing a variety of specialized techniques that require precise positioning and produce quality results. Sets up exam room for procedures, assuring adequate and appropriate sterile supplies, special needles and other equipment are present in sufficient quantities and are in working order. Discusses procedures with patient and verifies any allergies that the patient may have. Verifies that pre-procedure paperwork is filled out by the patient. Explains procedure/exam, positions patient, selects and sets the correct technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment. The incumbent will have administrative duties, including the performance and documentation of QC required to maintain compliance with all QC and QA requirements as per VHA policy, FDA/MQSA regulations and ACR standards in mammography. Assesses patient's condition and adjusts equipment to vary technique to accommodate patients with special needs. Assists radiologist with all breast imaging procedures to include, but not limited to the following: ultrasound guided breast and lymph node biopsies; stereotactic and tomosynthesis guided breast biopsy; post biopsy clip placement (ultrasound, mammographic, stereotactic and tomosynthesis guided); needle localizations and other pre-operative localization techniques to include, but not limited to MagSeed placement (ultrasound, mammographic, stereotactic and tomosynthesis guided); breast/cyst aspirations and fine needle aspirations (FNA) of the breast and lymph nodes; ductography. Ensures the biopsy specimen is properly labeled with patient identification. Transports biopsy specimen as well as accompanying documentation to pathology for evaluation as directed. Assures adequate inventory of supplies, including, but not limited to biopsy/aspiration needles, biopsy trays, sterile procedure supplies, and contrast. Ensures that outdated, damaged, or otherwise unusable items are discarded. Assists with the daily functioning of the Breast Imaging Section. Performs administrative roles as directed by the radiologist, supervisory technologist, or Radiology Section Chief. Mammographic technologist will perform diagnostic radiology technologist (DRT) duties during the workweek, when not assigned to mammography, and will perform DRT duties on weekends and holidays (when needed on a rotating schedule). Coordinates workflow with other technical team members. Responsible for making on the spot decisions regarding patient care and procedures. The technologist provides direct, one on one, instruction to rotating technologist students and direct and indirect instruction to Radiology residents. Uses knowledge, experience, and administrative and communicative skills to assist immediate supervisor in managing their assigned work area. Work Schedule: 7:30am- 4:00pm, Monday-Friday Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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) Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-09 Mammography Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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]. 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).] Grade Determinations: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level of GS-8, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that 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. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS- 9. Physical Requirements: See VA directive and Handbook 5019. The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-45 pounds; pushing, pulling, and reaching above shoulders up to 4 hours; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, standing, and/or sitting; 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 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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. 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. 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.