Summary The Eastern Oklahoma VA Medical Center is recruiting for one Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Mammography position at the Tulsa, OK location. Responsibilities VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM The Mammography Technologist performs all duties in the Mammography department. Operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all mammography exams and procedures. Other duties include, but are not limited to: Maintains effective workflow in the mammography section by coordinating, planning, organizing, and executing appropriate patient breast imaging studies, procedures, and referrals to expedite patient care. Schedules patient for exams/procedures and maintains patient information in the mammography reporting system. Develops and maintains the mammography quality assurance program. Performs Quality Control procedures in accordance with vendor specific guidance, as outlined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), American College of Radiology (ACR), and VHA directives. Responsible for creating, implementing, collecting, critiquing and preparing mammography documents and reports with current data to ensure compliance with FDA/MQSA, ACR, and VHA mandates. Submits updates as required to the ACR to ensure compliance and continued operation of mammography services. Submits mammography images and required documents every 3 years to ACR accreditation for renewal. Ensures that the examination rooms and work rooms are kept clean and neat in appearance. Develops and presents management briefing reports specific to the operation of the mammography section such as the repeat/reject image analyses, annual audit, quarterly credentialing qualification report, among others as directed. Assists Radiologist in the performance of special examinations and procedures such as needle localization, cyst aspiration, stereotactic core biopsy, and ductograms. Troubleshoots equipment used in mammography by monitoring the daily, weekly, and quarterly QC procedures and provides suggestions about repairs and/or adjustments. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to the supervisor and BIO Med representative. Assists with incoming and outgoing mammography image studies provided on CD for continued care. Dispatches CDs and reports to outside providers. Maintains a log of breast studies received from outside sources. Employs up-to-date record keeping and tracking mechanisms. Maintains radiologists, technologists, and physicist credentialing records to ensure that each person maintains the minimum MQSA qualifications. Responsible for explaining exams to patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Receives and interprets breast imaging requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer systems. Processes orders: Ability to register, cancel and edit exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS). Validates and sends lay summary letter to each patient once the mammogram has been reported by a radiologist and communicates consults as needed. Maintains all Breast Imaging - Reporting and Data Systems (BI-RADS) reports as mandated. Ensure proper dosage techniques to minimize radiation exposure, utilize radiation safeguards by practicing ALARA. Wear personal dose badge when in the exposure rooms and safeguard badge by storing with the control badge. Perform patient education. Ensure that a thorough patient history is documented and forwarded to the radiologist. Ability to modify exams/procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Physical requirements include bending, pushing, pulling, reaching and occasional kneeling, crawling, and squatting; lifting, carrying, bending, and manipulation of equipment; patient assistance and positioning; walking and prolonged standing; the ability. to read written orders, computer screens, patient records, and equipment controls; and the ability to communicate with patients, physicians, and coworkers. Near visual acuity to assess patient's physical condition when performing exams and evaluating images for diagnostic quality. Must be able to speak and hear to communicate with patients. Ability to make critical decisions, interact with patients of different ages and health conditions, maintain patient confidentiality, work under stressful conditions, such as operating or emergency rooms. Operates general radiology and bone densitometry equipment as needed, after all mammography duties are complete, upon direction of the immediate supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Functional Statement #: PD51113A 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 evaluation. 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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}. 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: Mammography The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. GS-09 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. And Knowledge Skills 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(*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: Mammography tech experience (screening and diagnostic) of at least 1 year. Must be ARRT (R) (M) registered. This position is being hired above the full performance level at GS-9. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 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.