Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Description:

Albuquerque Raymond G. Murphy VA Healthcare System in Albuquerque, NM is hiring for a general Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to serve in our Diagnostic Imaging service department.

Requirements:

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.
• 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. [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.

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) . All persons employed in VHA as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) as of December 13, 2019, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:

(1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.

(2) DRTs that require certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.

(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.

(4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

(5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.

NOTE: Each uncertified VHA Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry.

Grade Determinations: GS-8

(1) Experience - At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Duties listed for the GS 8 in this announcement are the same for a GS-7.
(2) Assignments - Employees at this grade level serve as staff Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.
(3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - In addition to the experience above, the candidate MUST demonstrate all of the following KSAs in their resume :

• 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.

Preferred Experience: Two years of experience as a Diagnostic Radiologist Technician in a hospital/clinic setting.

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-8.

Physical Requirements:

• Light to Moderate lifting and carrying, up to 44 pounds
• Straight pulling and/or reaching above shoulders
• Use of both hands and fingers required
• Walking, standing, crawling and/or kneeling
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
• Depth perception and ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted)