Job Information
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist in Manchester, New Hampshire
Summary This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position is located in the Diagnostic Imaging department within the Manchester VA Healthcare systems. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week. Responsibilities Performs a wide variety of diagnostic radiography exams under the direction of a physician. Operates all radiographic equipment including general diagnostic, portable, fluoroscopic, and PACS related equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients in the Imaging Service. Supports Radiologists and/or other medical officers, to produce high quality images for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions. The duties and responsibilities of the DRT include but are not limited to the following: Receives/Interpret Exam Requests Receives written requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets the requests or instructions from Radiologists or medical officer. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations. Independently interprets an carries out the requests made by physicians Supervision is often administrative only and employee may need to contact the Radiologist, the Ordering Physician for clarification, or to alter the order if the original order is not the most appropriate. Receives and instructs on the occasion for very difficult assignments or examinations. Employee understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is required, or if clarification of the request is needed. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Independently explains procedures, positions the patient for optimal results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies the procedure or positions to adjust for patients' medical condition, and body habitus. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or in some circumstances, intravenously under the supervision of a Radiologist, or other Physician, or medical officer. Analyzes the patient needs, determines and select the technical factors for optimum diagnostic quality, sets the controls and operates equipment. Performs quality control procedures as required, and maintains an adequate level of supplies and safety equipment. Operates Radiology Equipment - Operates Direct Radiography (DR) equipment and Computerized Radiography (CR) equipment as well as Portable, Fluoroscopic and O.R. equipment. Provides C-arm for Pain Clinic cases. Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement: PDF1108, PDF1109, PDF1110, and PDF1111 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. NOTIFICATIONS: This is a Bargaining Unit position. This position is in the Excepted Service. This position is covered by a special rate. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees. 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). 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 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: 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). Must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ยง 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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 Technician, GS-0647-05 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-06 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment Ability to learn basic computer functions. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-07 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-08 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 05 to GS 08. Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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.