Summary This position is located within Radiology Services at Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN. The Interventional Radiography (IR) Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) provides patient-centered care services while acting in an ethical manner, giving consideration to factors related to safety, effectiveness, and costs associated with care delivery and planning. Responsibilities The incumbent will demonstrate professional commitment and involvement to expand their knowledge base and skill set, evaluating their practice to ultimately improve patient care. Essential duties include, but not limited to: Circulate and scrub for a variety of radiological exams and procedures including but not limited to angiography, venograms, myelograms, percutaneous nephrostomy, ablations, vertebroplasty, and other special interventional, surgical, pain, and diagnostic procedures . Operate complex specialized equipment including but not limited to C-Arm, portable X-rays, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, and Siemens Artis Zeego Hybrid Room. Utilize surgical sterile techniques as appropriate for each procedure or circumstance, including but not limited to scrub-in techniques, preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast materials, maintaining sterility of applicable supplies, pre-procedural preparation of the patient and the equipment, and maintenance of the sterile field. Adhere to all infection control directives, policies, and standard operating procedures. (SOP), including maintaining proper attire for the specific area (IR, OR, Pain, etc.…) Collaborate with the physician as a member of the medical team, anticipating their needs in the performance of the procedure and responding appropriately. Remain aware of patient condition, recognizing patient reactions and responding appropriately. Practice radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, self, and staff including but not limited to the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, eye protection, following the principles of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) and collimation, lead lined walls, and the use of film badges for monitoring exposure. Prepare and work with contrast media, being knowledgeable about the contrast agent used and the signs of contrast reaction, responding immediately and appropriately to prevent harm. Adhere to the Time-Out checklist and properly identify patients utilizing two (2) patient identifiers including full name and full social security number prior to initiating any imaging or procedure per directive, policy, or SOP. Maintain timely documentation of cases, completing all computer documentation and paperwork daily. Ensure that images are properly identified and uploaded to the correct patient in PACS -Participate and function independently with Quality Assurance. Participate in precepting new interventional radiology/diagnostic radiologic technologist (IR)(DRT) staff as delegated by the IR/DRT supervisor. Support start time metrics, patient flow and efficiency of the department by retrieving patients from pre-procedural areas - Initiate intravenous access as needed. Perform studies in general radiology as needed to include, but not limited to operating c-arms, portable x-ray machines, and general x-ray rooms. Support the overall efficiency of the facility through assisting in other patient care areas as needed, dependent upon the departmental procedure schedule. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 07:30A - 4:00P or 08:00A - 4:30P Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50625-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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. 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: 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]. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Examples of experience includes: Knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. Knowledge in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. Knowledge in administering contrast media. Knowledgeable in digital imaging and Picture Archival Communication System (PACS). Note - Resume must show experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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. Specialized Assignments: Interventional Radiography (IR). Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. IR technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS. Preferred Experience: Interventional or Cardiovascular Interventional experience and experience with Siemens C-Arm. 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-9. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to stand and move for extended periods of time while wearing protective lead. Education 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.