Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) position is assigned to the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, Imaging Service. Technicians at this level are fully credentialed and functional as an MRI technologist with varying assignments and can perform routine to complex and specialized studies, with and without administration of contrast materials, as prescribed by practitioners. The practitioner must have specific specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have a specialized knowledge in the radiofrequency coils (transmit/receive) required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. The incumbent requires knowledge of contrast media, power injectors, and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). Duties of the DRT (MRI) Technologist include, but not limited to the following: Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing as required. Maintains current Talent Management System (TMS) training as required. Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment, to obtain examinations of acceptable quality using utilizing the standardized amount of specific absorption rate and/or B1 + RMS to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems. Knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of MRI imaging of spine, head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, upper extremities, lower extremities utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Performs advanced level aspects of MRI imaging, such as MR Breast, MR Cardiac, and MR Functional Neuro studies utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Performs MRI imaging of the peripheral and visceral vessels through MR Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. Maintains competence in venipuncture and refer to the Imaging Service procedure manual for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media After-Hours, Guidelines for Power Injection of Contrast Media, Use of Gadolinium within the MRI Section and policy for use of Contrast Media. Prepares contrast materials that are used in MRI under the direction of the radiologist. Follows protocol regarding blood collection for ISTAT results. Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness, date desired and maintains thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, preop, urgent and routine exams. Independently identifies (through pending list) active MRI exams: stat, ER, and inpatient orders. Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of all equipment. Works with staff and MRI schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies. Uses independent judgment and possesses the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patients' individual medical conditions and body habitus. Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Practices the safety policies and procedures of The Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's). Continually reviews new developments and standards in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Required to work in an after hour on-call standby status to perform emergency scans. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 2:30pm to 11:00pm Telework: Not suitable for telework Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 40950F, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN8CCoE@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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 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), and 7407(d). 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) is required. NOTE: A transcript from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions must be submitted with your application. 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. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your certification(s) with your application. GRADE REQUIREMENT for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience: Candidates must have 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 following clinical competencies: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience listed above, 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. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification. DRT- MR assignments in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. You must submit a copy of your certification with your application. 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: The physical demands of the work include 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. ****OCHCO Bulletin Subject: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated September 30, 2023. Although hybrid title 38 occupations follow title 5 Veterans' preference rules, as required by the Merit Systems Protection Board (Graves v. VA, 117 M.S.P.R. 697 (2012)), 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external applicants for appointments made during the fiscal year to hybrid title 38 occupations among those reported to have the largest staffing shortages. 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.