Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

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: 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 computed tomography (CT)
• 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)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: GS-09: Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08) - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• 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 all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *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
• Specialty Modality Requirements: Computed Tomography (CT)
• This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi-slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans - including drainages - biopsies - and peripheral vascular examinations
• The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination
• to interpret the examination request accurately
• to understand the functioning and inter- relationship of the various organs
• to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor - or on film - and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician
• [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] Preferred Experience: 3+ year of CT 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-09
• Physical Requirements: Lift - move or push heavy equipment - specifically cassettes - mobile x-ray equipment - stretchers and/or wheelchairs with patients in them
• Assist in lifting patients who may be paralyzed - comatose or otherwise incapacitated - from stretchers or wheelchairs to x-ray tables and back
• Provide physical assistance and care for patients in a timely manner in all circumstances
• Reach overhead in order to manipulate an x-ray tube.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Computed Tomography (CT) position is in Radiology services at the Providence VA Medical Center - located at the Providence - Rhode Island location
• This position performs both specialized CT and general DRT technologist duties at Providence VA Medical Center (PVAMC) to aid in proper diagnosis and treatment of patients at PVAMC
• CT duties are performed in the Diagnostic Imaging Service (DIS) and DRT duties are performed in DIS and throughout PVAMC
• Duties include - but not limited to: Prepares CT equipment for daily operation and performs required QC procedures
• Maintains the cleanliness of assigned work area - and re-stocks supplies
• Reports all supply shortages and equipment failures to the supervisor
• Evaluates relevant lab and test results according to DIS protocols and procedures
• Provides education to patients and family members on CT imaging procedures
• Performs IV insertion and practices sterile technique to prevent contamination Prepares IV contrast material and administers contrast material agents under the guidance of a radiologist or supervising physician
• The employee is responsible for informing the radiologist or supervising physician of any adverse contrast reaction as soon as possible so the patient can be evaluated
• Adheres to all dose reduction efforts and protocols determined by the radiologists - Radiation Safety Committee - and DIS protocols
• Responsible for on call duties as assigned by the supervisor
• Performs portable radiography for the Emergency Room - OR - recovery - inpatient wards - and other areas as required
• Responsible for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams while minimizing patient radiation dose
• Advises the radiologist - participating providers or referring physicians of examinations requiring their immediate attention
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient - staff and self and wears assigned dosimeter according to department policy
• Participates in quality assurance activities as directed
• Documents all fluoroscopy doses after completion according to PVAMC policy
• Performs related duties as determined by the supervisor
• Work Schedule: Full-time 40 hours - Week 1: Sunday 8 a.m
• - 4:00 p.m. - Monday 7:30 a.m
• - 4:00 p.m. - Tuesday 7:30 a.m
• - 4:00 p.m. - Wednesday 4:00 p.m
• - Midnight - Thursday 4:00 p.m
• - Midnight
• Week 2: Monday 7:30 a.m
• - 4:00 p.m. - Tuesday 7:30 a.m
• - 4:00 p.m. - Wednesday 4:00 p.m
• - Midnight - Thursday 4:00 p.m
• - Midnight. - Saturday 8:00 a.m
• - 4:00 p.m
• Rotating weekends and holidays
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more 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 Available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: F01291
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.