Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive

SummaryThe Primary Purpose of the Position is to provide radiography imaging for general radiology. Performs a wide variety of diagnostic radiography exams under the direction of a physician. Operates all radiographic equipment including general diagnostic - and PACS related equipment as part of the diagnostic plan for patients in the Imaging Service. Supports Radiologists and/or other medical officersQualificationsThis announcement is an Open Continuous Announcement and will remain open until all position(s) are filled. The first cut-off will be November 25 - 2025. Applications received after this will be sent to management every two weeks until the position(s) are filled. 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 RequirementsUnited States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEducation: 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).] Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT) (R)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.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 levelThis exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technicianFor grade levels above the entry level - the candidate must be certifiedTemporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointmentEnglish 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: GS-05 (Entry Level): None beyond the basic requirementsGS-06 (Developmental): ExperienceIn addition to the basic qualifications - at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade 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/imagingAnd must demonstrate ALL of the Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities in your resume aKnowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposurebKnowledge of anatomy and positioningcKnowledge of all patient safety proceduresdKnowledge of radiographic producing equipmenteAbility to learn basic computer functionsGS-07 (Developmental): Experience or EducationIn addition to the basic qualifications - at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that levelOR 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/imagingOR 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/imagingEducation may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filledAnd Must demonstrate ALL of the Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities in your resume: aKnowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital systembKnowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study cKnowledge of radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic proceduresdKnowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systemseKnowledge of PACS and basic computer skillsGS-08 (Full Performance): ExperienceIn addition to the basic qualifications - at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that levelAnd Must demonstrate ALL of the Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities in your resumeaAbility to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelinesbKnowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as neededcKnowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory resultsdAbility to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informedeSkill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteersfKnowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interestPreferred Experience: Produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries - foreign bodies - pathological conditions - or lesions within the bodyPACS-Ensures completion of examination by following proper procedures to transmit images to PACS immediately after the examDemonstrates safe radiation work practice appropriate for the positionDemonstrate and verbalize proper proceduresInfection ControlUnderstands - demonstrates appropriate hygiene methods and infection control Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as neededKnowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interestReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbsand over)Heavy Carrying (45 lbsand over)Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour)Pushing (1 - 2 hours)Reaching above shoulderUse of fingersBoth hands requiredWalking (up to 3 hours)Standing (up to 3 hours)Repeated bending (up to 1 hour)Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneouslyNear vision correctable at 13"" to 16""Hearing (aid permitted)DutiesDiagnostic Radiologic Technologist perform procedures and examinations in clinics under the direction of radiologists and other medical officersThe objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries - foreign bodies - pathological conditions - or lesions within the bodyAll DRTs must be knowledgeable in Digital Radiography (DR) and Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS)Reviews patients' prior images to obtain additional information to optimize radiographic techniques and positioningUtilizes the patient's chart for pertinent laboratory reports - nursing notes - etcand interrogates the patient for symptoms and any other information that will assist in examining the patient for diagnostic purposesReceives patients - explains methods of procedure - positions patient - selects and sets technical and computer factors - sets up and adjusts accessory equipment - i.e. - O2 - suction - physiological monitors - etcAdvises the radiologists of examinations progressNotifies radiologist of significant images requiring their immediate attention and visualization while patients are undergoing examinationsRequired to recognize the significance of all structures that are visualized on the monitorInforms the radiologist concerning significant findings and observationChecks results with the radiologist before discharging patientRegularly assist radiologists and student technologists in the technical aspects of fluoroscopy and radiographyProcesses exposed images utilizing computed radiography technique and archiving to the Picture Archive Communication SystemParticipates in the evaluation - analysis - and formulation of radiographic image managementEvaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate themScreens requests for proper clinical history and pertinent dataModifies the examination to match the written clinical history when appropriateThe incumbent maintains visual and vocal contact with the patient during the examination recognizes patient distress and intervenes or contacts a physician as neededIs cognizant of all patients in the Medical Center who are being cared for in Radiology or are waiting to return to hospital wards and who may require supervisionProcesses digital images for PACS and to generate hard copies for medical-legal purposes utilizing appropriate technical factors regarding filters - edge - enhancements - algorithms - etcIncumbent is subject to irregular tours of duty when patient caring - scheduling and/or patient convenience necessitates coverage outside of normal hours of operationThe incumbent maintains the Radiographic Suites in a clean and sanitary conditionMaintains supplies - reorders supplies when necessary and determines the need forThe incumbent maintains the Radiographic Suites in a clean and sanitary conditionMaintains supplies - reorders supplies when necessary and determines the need for Other Duties as assignedWork Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:00am-3:30pm or 7:30am-4:00pm with Rotating On-Call and Holiday Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increasesPaid 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 experienceParental 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 childChild 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 $416.66Retirement: 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 positionFunctional Statement #: 0000 VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional