Summary The Birmingham VA Health Care System, Diagnostic Imaging Service at the Huntsville VA Clinic located in Butler Park Huntsville; Alabama is recruiting for Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (X -Ray/CT/MRI) to work within the Radiology/Imaging Services. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be May 17, 2024, with subsequent cut-off dates until the position is filled. Responsibilities Radiography (R) The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) will perform procedures and examinations under the general direction of the Lead Technologist or Chief Technologist of Radiology or the Radiologist. The DRT (General X-Ray) utilizes digital equipment to perform diagnostic radiography procedures. This requires the technologist to have knowledge of human anatomy. The selectee will perform procedures as a team member with other technologists such as chest, extremities, spines, skull, sinus, abdominal studies, and any other procedure that does not require the direct presence of a radiologist. In all procedure cases, where a patient's consent is needed. Sterile technique must always be practiced. The incumbent performs routine, daily cleaning of assigned area, and notifies supervisor of inventory changes. The DRT sets up-x-ray room; assures that supplies, or other required equipment are present as required by procedure or patient's condition. He/she receives patients, explains method of procedure, positions patient, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required, and makes exposures necessary for the requested examinations. Also, the DRT captures computerized radiographs and digital radiographs, applies an algorithm, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. Computed Tomography (CT) The incumbent performs daily inspection and operate the CT scanner under the general direction of the Lead Technologist or Chief Technologist of Radiology, the CT Technologist works independently and performs computed tomography examination procedures. He/she will perform all diagnostic radiology CT exams (head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities), CTA's and CT guided procedures (biopsies, drainage, ablation). The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment will be delivered. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials, so the technologist is required to be able to establishes IV access and administers IV contrast. He/she will observe patient for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reaction while initiating the appropriate response for varying levels of severity. The selectee will discuss any exam that deviates from normal protocol set by the radiologist. The CT Technologist will work with the Radiation Safety Officer and Radiologist with Quality Control (QC) testing while minimizing patient dose. An advanced ARRT certification is required for this assignment in computed tomography (CT). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) The incumbent performs daily inspection and operate the MRI scanner under the direction of the Lead MR Technologist or Chief Technologist of Radiology, the MRI Technologist works independently and performs Magnetic Resonance Imaging procedures. He/she will perform all diagnostic MRI exams (head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities), MRA's and MR guided procedures (biopsies). The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment will be delivered. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials, so the technologist is required to be able to establishes IV access and administers IV contrast. He/she will observe patient for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reaction while initiating the appropriate response for varying levels of severity. The duties performed are almost exclusively hands-on technical duties. The MRI Technologist will work with the Lead MR technologist to ensuring effective screening, quality control, while keeping with MR safe practices. The incumbent must be able to follow written protocols and instructions of the radiologist. He/she will adhere to basic principles of radiofrequency and magnetic safety to protect the patient and the operating personnel. The incumbent must adhere to and be familiar with infection control policies and procedures to be followed on patients undergoing diagnostic studies on the MRI unit. Incumbent will be responsible for insuring proper cleaning and decontamination of the equipment as necessary. He/she is responsible for managing the patient flow throughout the MRI suite, ensuring efficiency or operations and limit patient wait time. An advanced ARRT certification is required for this assignment in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm with rotating weekend. This subject to change based on the operational needs of the agency Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS 531 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. 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 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, 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.] 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).NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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: GS-10 To meet the requirements for the GS-10 grade level Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist do you possess At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-09) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking 6 hours, Standing 8 hours, Specific visual requirement: Ability to read typewritten characters with or w/o glasses, Specific hearing requirements: Ability to hear conversational voice with or w/o hearing aid, Emotional and Mental Stability. 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 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.