Summary This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 15, 2024, with subsequent cut-off dates starting December 01, 2024 and on the 1st of each month thereafter. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Responsibilities Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Major duties may include, but are not limited to: Computed Tomography (CT) 50%:Incumbent operates independently and without direct supervision. Performs a variety of specialized CT examinations covering most portions of the body including, bladder, spleen, aorta, kidney, head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine, extremities, pancreas, biopsies and drainages. These exams are performed with and without contrast materials. Complete biopsies as part of the Interventional Radiology Team. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) 50%: Incumbent operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all diagnostic radiology examinations. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment will be delivered. Functions: Technologist meets the requirements set forth in Columbia VA HealthCare System POLICY/MEMORANDUM FOR BLS (RQI); BLS Certification is maintained per quarter and always complies. Technologist is responsible for and required to maintain credentials and licensure. Annual ARRT certifications must be current and Continuing Education (CE) requirements must be met biennially. Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes and all other assigned duties. Technologist works under the supervision of the CT Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the CT section. He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and CT Supervisor and/or Lead Technologist on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination, and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include: Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis Extremities, 3D Reconstructions of CT, Multi-Planar Reformats for CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. Performs all aspects of CT Interventional Radiography, including Biopsies, RF Ablations, Abscess drainages, cyst aspirations, and all other exams. Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas, and Run Offs, utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. The radiographic goal of CT is to provide high quality imaging and generate the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient. Performs Interventional CT exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and CT Supervisor/Lead Technologist on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:00am-4:30pm, Noon-8:00pm, 4:00pm-Midnight, with all shifts Rotating Weekends and Holidays Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized 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 #: 544-02236A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) b. 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.] c. 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). Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. 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 REQUIREMENTS: Creditable Experience: (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of 1 year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time work. 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.] GRADE DETERMINATION 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-9: (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. (2) 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: (a) 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 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 Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather 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; and Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: 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; 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 while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript (displaying a conferred date) 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.