Summary

The location of this position is in the Translational Science Core - VISN 17 Center of Excellence (CoE) - Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS) - Doris Miller VA Hospital in Waco - Texas. Incumbent will be involved in finalizing raw data collected from the MRI scans - as well as various biological sample collection - appropriately handling and storing samples and data as per the VA Guidelines.

Qualifications

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 (ARRT) (R)
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination
• 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 other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE)
• Grandfathering provision
• 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)
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and7407(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: GS-9: 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
• Experience in the specialty of Magnetic Resonance Imaging requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets - the physics of superconducting magnets - and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging
• Educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients - visitors - and equipment enter
• Specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body
• Specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged
• Knowledgeable in contrast media - power injectors - and PACS
• 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 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
• Preferred Experience: Requisite training Current certified for Magnetic Resonance Imaging 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: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over)
• Heavy Carrying (45 lbs and over)
• Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour)
• Pushing (1 - 2 hours)
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking (up to 3 hours)
• Standing (up to 3 hours)
• Repeated bending (up to 1 hour)
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"
• Hearing (aid permitted).

Duties

• Major duties include - but are not limited to: Neuroimaging Scans Independent operator of a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit
• Positions patients - explains procedures - selects and sets voltage - time and other technical factors - and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure
• Interviews each research subject to determine if the subject has contraindication for MRI - such as a cardiac pacemaker - ferrous implant - etc
• Oversees magnet area security - preventing unauthorized entry by visitors - facility staff - or emergency personnel that may be carrying metal objects which pose a hazard to the persons and equipment
• Notifies supervisor of significant scan findings requiring immediate attention and visualization while participants are undergoing examinations
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology such as the structure - location - and function of major organs and the skeletal system in ordering to locate areas of study by using anatomical landmarks - to identify organs appearing on the films to determine the acceptability of the radiograph for diagnostic use - and to determine if standard positioning techniques might cause pain or injury to patients
• Makes recommendations about future scans and supports supervisor and PIs in protocol development (standard operating procedures) for performance of tests and evaluation of results
• Possesses the ability and knowledge to modify or adapt established methods - procedures - or techniques to resolve difficult or complex problems with minimum supervision
• Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the neuroimaging in terms of equipment - method comparison - and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge
• Interprets findings and makes recommendations
• Neuroimaging Equipment Maintenance Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of neuroimaging and MRI equipment
• Uses - calibrates - identifies malfunctions - repairs - and performs preventive maintenance of all equipment or components
• Performs quality control testing as required - including daily phantom and normalization bar scanning to measure the efficiency of the scanner detectors - apertures - and localization gradients to establish - perform - and maintain quality assurance program of the MRI and associated research instruments
• Facilitates software and hardware upgrades - service - and repairs
• Notifies supervisor and COR of abnormal system functions or cryogen levels
• Work with administrative staff and leadership to ensure that the MRI and its accessory equipment are up to date with the required inspections and certifications
• Works with the supervisor and administrative staff to keep the equipment inventory list (EIL) updated
• Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques Collection and Storage of Data and Biosamples Ensures all radiologic data is stored on the MRI server or other drive storage approved by the Research & Development Committee Collects blood samples and other biospecimens Maintains records of patients and research participants Answers inquiries Safety Procedures Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace
• Keeps neuroimaging safety requirements - trainings - and certifications up to date
• Educates staff and trainees on MRI safety practices and best practices of direct patient care
• Additional Duties Establishes effective rapport with customers and takes initiative to resolve problems expeditiously by referring irresolvable problems to the supervisor
• Works well with fellow staff members - customers - and stakeholders to foster effective communication - collaboration - and problem-solving
• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
• 0800-1600 Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• 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) 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 #: 00000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized