Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Interventional Radiology

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. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

02Certification

All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).

03Education

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).Grade Determinations: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

04Preferred Experience

At least three years of experience working in Interventional Radiology equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level, which include: 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; and Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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 the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated below: Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information form 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.

Creditable Experience Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Quality of Experience.

Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work.

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.

05Physical Requirements

This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings.

The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment.

The incumbent who provides care in home settings or other off-site locations may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.

Duties listed but are not limited to: The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to managing complex systems. Other duties may be assigned.

The DRT is required to demonstrate full functionality and independence in performing a rage of tasks, including special and complex radiographic procedures Provides a full range of interventional radiologic treatment procedures, has a broad knowledge of the different modalities within interventional radiology, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor Ensures adequate quantities of Angio/"specials" supplies are available to meet workload demands through a systemized process of ordering Receipt and inventory control Assures that angiography procedure rooms are stocked with necessary supplies at all times with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies Assists in determining costs for specific exams, and projecting costs for budgetary purposes Coordinates new product evaluation Recommends methods and products to reduce costs and/or increase quality.

DRT expected to assume a leadership role as necessary to facilitate procedures flow within the designated work area. Participation in an equitable on-call rotation and responsible for assisting in the organization and procurement of essential supplies as the need arises Knowledge and ability to recognize unusual images to determine proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Monitors the patient's physiology during the procedure and keeps the Radiologist informed.

An interventional radiology technologist must understand the basic subspecialty of diagnostic radiology (IR) that encompasses the diagnosis of all abnormalities and anomalies of the arteries, veins, and lymphatics. The technologist must understand that IR includes all vascular and nonvascular imaging-directed interventional procedures. This subspecialty includes all modalities and techniques used in diagnostic and interventional procedures.

Assists with the performance of a wide variety of technical procedures including, but not limited to, aortogram runoffs, arches, carotids, extremities, and cerebrals. These exams will require independent judgment, ingenuity, and initiative to apply prescribed ionizing radiation for radiological diagnosis. Serves as resource person, assists work schedule, interdepartmental committee lead, assists with policy, protocol, and QA program development, and ensures proper safety protocols are followed.

Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, and collimation.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: 07:00 AM to 03:30 PM, On call hour requirements Pay: 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 Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70367F