Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography)

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.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Licensure/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 2 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).] 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).

02Grade Determinations

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-09 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: 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.

03Preferred Experience

1 year of experience 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.

04Physical Requirements

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.

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Maintains effective control of the mammography section by coordinating, planning, organizing, and executing the work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the department. Schedules patients for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profiles. Receives and positions patients for examination.

Explains procedures and actions to allay patient fears and secure maximum cooperation. Performs screening and diagnostic mammograms. Assists the radiologist in the performance of interventional procedures, including needle localization, breast biopsy and cyst aspiration. Incumbent makes exposures after the radiologist inserts the localizing needle into the patient. Incumbent also makes radiographs of breast tissue submitted for pathology findings.

Performs Quality Control procedures, which may include (but not exclusively) the following: grid alignment and artifacts; mammography equipment phantom and reproducibility; automatic exposure control density and field sensitivity; integrity tests; view box consistency and uniformity; compression test.

Responsible for creating, implementing, collecting, critiquing, and preparing all mammography documents/ reports for up-to-date data to ensure that the ACR, FDA and VA mandates are always within the prescribed standards. Technologist will be responsible for submitting annual updates to the ACR to ensure compliance and continued operation of mammography section. Every three years submits hard copy films and associated documents to the ACR.

The ACR review data and films will determine if the medical center can continue to operate under its current or renewed license. Recognizes breast anatomy and pathology and adjusts as necessary to ensure that proper identification of breast anatomy is well visualized in order to achieve optimal diagnosis by the radiologist. Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of mammography. Maintains ARRT and BCLS license/ certifications.

Ensures that the examination rooms and work rooms are kept clean and neat in appearance. Develops and presents management briefing reports specific to the operation of the mammography section. Provides reports of accomplishment, proposals for improved effectiveness and state of equipment. Maximizes efficiency in the number of exposures performed without compromising quality standards.

Troubleshoots equipment used in mammography by monitoring the daily, weekly, and quarterly QC procedures, and makes suggestions about needed repairs and/or adjustments. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to Administrative Officer or a BioMed Representative. Coordinates incoming and outgoing films and discs. Dispatches images and reports to outside physicians and hospitals. Maintains a log of all radiographs received from outside sources.

Monitors these radiographs to be certain all radiographs on loan are returned in a timely manner to maintain good working relations with outside facilities. Employs up-to-date record keeping and tracking mechanisms. Work Schedule: 7:30am-4:00pm (Monday-Friday) Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): 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 Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized