The position is for a Registered Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist with skill in Computed Tomography (CT) scan. Position is in the Radiology Department located within the Radiology Service at the New Orleans VA Medical Center. 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 (ARRT) (R) Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT)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). 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. Grade Determinations: Computed Tomography GS-9 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. In addition, 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 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). Preferred Experience: Basic computer skills, knowledge of medical terminology and customer service skills to properly interact with patients, co-workers and other customers. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 December 13, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a 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.-English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). ["Major duties for the Diagnostic Radiological Technologist (Computed Tomography) include but are not limited to: Performing Spiral Computed Tomography (CT) Axial and/or 3-D Reconstruction Scans to include drainages and biopsies; Performing Cardiac, peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities; Performing myelography of the complete spine with computed tomography utilizing axial and spiral CT and reconstruction using advanced multiplanar reformats; Receiving patients to include verbal interview for demographic accuracy and patient education prior to procedure, ensuring patient's comfort and relaxation; Developing new techniques, defines optimal protocols, and devises alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient; Interacting with physicians and physicists, on a recurring basis in the performance of daily assignments; Conferring with radiologists to determine requirement and type of exams to complete; Consulting with other medical physicians, clinical, administrative, and clerical personnel of next day and future day's availability for patient examinations; Establishing and monitoring quality control programs for these sections and maintains operations logs, service and maintenance reports. Assisting and developing training programs for new technologist(s), physician(s), resident(s), and general clinical staff in the Imaging Sections Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 2:00pm-10:30pm (Subject to change based on the needs of the facility) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 629-00332-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, 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)"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
