Summary Position is located at the James H. Quillen VAMC, Mountain Home, TN in the Radiology Department. The employee is a fully functional DRT and performs computerized tomography (CT) axial and/or 3-D reconstruction scans utilizing both single and multi slice scanners including drainage and biopsies. Assures supplies, catheters, guide wires, contrast media and other materials are set up and readily available prior to the scan. Responsibilities Examinations include, but are not limited to, CT examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, CT angiography, extremities, neck, etc. The incumbent will also assist the radiologist/physician in performing interventional procedures under CT guidance. Performs daily check of crash cart Coordinates daily schedule and consults with other medical center physicians, clinical, administrative, and clerical personnel of next day and future day's availability for patient examinations Schedules, receives patients to include verbal interview for demographic accuracy and patient education prior to procedure, ensuring patient comfort and relaxation Positions the patient within the CT systems, monitors patient during all phases of appropriate examinations(s) and removes patient from the respected system(s) upon completion of the data and/or imaging acquisition(s) Reviews history in CPRS for allergies Obtains venous access for contrast injection Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures Reports equipment failure to supervisor/appropriate staff Prepares oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events Monitors patient vital signs Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and /or quality improvement activities of the Radiology Department. Reviews each scan for completion Administer contrast material, under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols Check and make minor adjustments to equipment Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc. Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times Provide training to student radiographers and residents from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives Practice hospital safety, radiation safety, infection control and universal precautions at all times in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures. The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the image (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network. The incumbent assists house staff in use of Auto Rad system and can also digitize films/burn CD's for the network and/or transmission to off site locations. The incumbent maintains the cassettes/plates/workstations (i.e.: primary/secondary plate erase, cleanliness of QA stations, etc.) as directed by the manufacturer. Provide education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures. Clerical and file room duties related to patient care. Utilizes separate workstation to reconstruct computerized images (CTA of heart, vessels, etc.). Reports obvious abnormalities to radiologist before patient leaves department. Reviews request for appropriateness before performing exams. Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification. Receives patients and ensures proper identification. Provides patient education. Continually assesses the condition and the needs of the patients to ensure patient safety, comfort and privacy. Performs portable exams throughout this facility. Performs the full spectrum of radiographic exams, including standard radiographs, gastrointestinal exams, genitourinary exams, arthrograms, myleograms and plain tomography. Utilizes textbooks and radiologist to perform exams requiring specialized or modified techniques. Performs surgical procedures using both portable and fixed radiographic units. Processes images by using (CR) Computer radiography, including specific exposure requirements, and digital post-processing techniques to optimize image quality. Supports radiologist in performance of fluoroscopic exams such as gastrointestinal studies, Fluoro guidance studies, and swallowing evaluations. Anticipates the imaging and equipment needs before and during the procedures, follows the progress of the procedure and facilitated flow. Prepares and administers barium or other contrast agents. Starts IVs as needed for IVP exams. Observes the patient for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reactions and initiates the appropriate response for varying levels of severity. Work Schedule: Full-Time / Monday-Friday / 8:00AM-4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 60091-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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 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. 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). Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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: 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 interrelationship 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. Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-10 to GS-10. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.