Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

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. 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 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). English 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). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging.

The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties.

Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.] 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 Technologist, GS-10 Experience.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

GS-9 experience include: Ability to provide technical oversight and assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload utilizing the personnel to the greatest advantage thus providing the optimal level of patient care within the workday; Ability to plan, direct, and distribute work assignments to DRTs at lower grade levels; Skill in instructing and training DRTs on newly acquired equipment; Ability to plan and project staffing needs; and skill to independently perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.

Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: GS-10 Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The incumbent functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs [at the GS-9 level and below].

The incumbent provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor.

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 provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work. Ability to resolve informal employee complaints. *Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures.

Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.

02Preferred Experience

3 years experience within the MRI section of Radiology. 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-10.

03Physical Requirements

The physical demands of the work include Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; the 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 long periods.

The technologist will perform quality diagnostic examinations that include, but are not limited to, MRI examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, neck, etc. The technologist will also assist the radiologist in performing interventional procedures under MRI guidance. The technologist may be cross-trained in special procedures to maximize the utilization of personnel.

The technologist may also participate in on-call or standby to provide 24-hour, 7 days a week for the main facility; and will also participate in the departmental in-service program. This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Technologists meet the requirements outlined in HPM 11-107; BLS Certification is maintained on a bi-annual basis.

Accurately and competently operates imaging equipment to obtain acceptable quality utilizing the standardized amount of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes.

Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy The technologist has a responsibility to recognize and exhibit good safety practices, comply with published and communicated safety procedures; immediately report observed safety infractions and unsafe working conditions; and report in a timely fashion work-related illnesses and injuries. The technologist is educated and competent in MRI Safety. Coordinates all work performed by the technical staff.

The technologist is competent in all service policies in the assigned work section. Makes changes in workflow or assignment of functions to position to improve workflow and services rendered, promote job satisfaction, increase productivity, and ensure emergent work is done promptly and efficiently. Coordinates patient flow that involves working with other units to work out problems and changes that affects outside organizations.

Handles substantial changes in workload demand including justifying changes in staffing levels, priorities and deadlines. Ensures adequate supplies to meet workload demands. Responsible for seeing that technologists keep the special cabinets in all rooms always stocked with necessary supplies with special attention to emergency equipment. Responsible for overall neatness and cleanliness of the MRI rooms.

Assigns employees to positions and/or work assignments based on consideration of several factors including the difficulty and type of work, availability, capability and experience. Issues oral and written instructions for non-routine or more complex assignments. Resolves scheduling and back-up coverage problems on off-hour and weekend shifts and is responsible for vacation coverage on these shifts. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 71718F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized