Perform routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as portable fluoroscopic units, the chest unit, general diagnostic digital rooms, the CR (computerized radiology) system ,digital fluoroscopic rooms, bone density and portable x-ray machines. Expected knowledge and competency will adjust with experience and grade level. This level represents the advanced developmental level leading to the full performance. 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 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 duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies recognized by the Department of Education. Physical Requirements. Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA policy. 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). Preferred Experience: Experience with Interventional Radiology Procedures; California Radiographer license holder. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-5: Entry level applicant and have no education or experience beyond those listed in the basic qualifications requirements. GS-6:Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-5 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/imaging. Qualifying experience would be at the basic level operating and monitoring commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision, functioning somewhat independently in carrying out standardized procedures of limited complexity, and would refer to the supervisor for deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures. Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment. Ability to learn basic computer functions. GS-7: Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level (for a total of 2 years of DRT experience) OR the successful completion of 1 full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Qualifying experience would include performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature, explaining exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards, troubleshooting equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment, reporting major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives, and assisting higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard or fluoroscopic procedures. Knowledge of the function of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. Knowledge of PACS, and basic computer skills. GS-8:Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level (for a total of 3 years of DRT experience). Qualifying experience would include independently performing a substantially full range of duties but receive occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues and providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. 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. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting & carrying (15-44 lbs); Straight pulling and pushing (Up to 7 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking and standing (Up to 7 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision 20/50 and 20/100; Emotional/mental stability. ["Major duties include, but are not limited to: Assist radiologists in routine fluoroscopic examinations. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms fistula grams and arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. In the case of injected media, a patient I.V consent form must be obtained. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, non-ionic contrast and gadolinium, barium, enema bags and drinking cups. Sterile technique must be always practiced. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Lead markers are used, films are annotated as needed, exams are case- edited and archived to the PACS system routinely. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. Film badge will be worn on duty to assure compliance to radiation safety policy. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Performs routine, daily cleaning of assigned area, notifies supervisor of inventory changes. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary, registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. Assures correct CPT codes are utilized. Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. If lead markers are coned off the image, the technologist annotates the image with the correct side and initials. The technologist must be certain that the information on the patient ID band and the request are identical. Technologist verifies patient identity using two identifiers - full social security number and date of birth. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are physically unable to have imaging in the Diagnostic Imaging Service due to incapacity or the need for imaging during surgical procedures. Technologist will use five portable x-ray Units and 1 mobile OEC C-arm fluoro units and 2 Siemen's mobile fluoro units that are in Surgery to perform these exams. Responsible for stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Must report equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor. Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. Must demonstrate professionalism to promote good relations with other services and agencies. Complete assigned work on time while meeting quality, safety and regulatory standards. Accomplish fair share of examinations in his/her specialty. Productivity results from collaborative effort to maximize utilization of available schedule. Uses the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (Vista) to access information in the Medical Center. Learns how to use CPRS (computerized patient record system) to assist radiologists with patient consents and to access pertinent lab data. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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