Career Center

This positions functions as the Quality Management (QM) Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) at VA Northern California HCS in the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Service, primary Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) and will serve as assistant Picture Archive Communications Systems (PACS) Manager. 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).] 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.] Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard 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 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 a 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 of 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 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, is 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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). Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Quality Management) GS-11 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-10 directly related to the position being filled. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated. i. Knowledge of all Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and VA standards regarding radiology quality assurance and other technical functions. ii. Ability to train staff on quality assurance and control. iii. Knowledge of inventory management systems. iv. Knowledge of x-ray and other image-producing machinery in order to design and operate a complete radiology quality assurance program. v. Knowledge of physics and [physical properties of CR and DR panels and image production to diagnose difficulties in x-ray machinery and post processing equipment. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, APPENDIX G25. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0647, Dated December 13, 2019. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Major duties include but are not limited too: The incumbent provides planning, guidance and oversight of departmental QM program as well as assisting in the long-range planning, daily maintenance and troubleshooting of PACS, Voice Recognition System (VR), Vista Imaging interface, configures Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) connections with modality equipment, printers, workstations, and the radiology package in DHCP. The incumbent serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image processing, storage and display systems at VANCHCS. The incumbent will be responsible for training radiologists, radiologic technologists, referring physicians, trouble shooting, reporting errors, reconciles patient data errors throughout the day, incomplete exam reports, radiology rejected orders, and providing ad hoc reports. The incumbent is the primary individual responsible for support of all modalities in the VANCHCS. Performs oversight across all sites within VANCHCS of daily inspection of imaging equipment to ensure proper mechanical functionality. The technologist coordinates all scheduling of preventive maintenance for various modalities through Biomedical Engineering (BME) or local contractor service. Provides full oversight for the imaging departmental Quality Improvement (QI) program. Participates as the Chairman or Co-Chair of the Department Quality Improvement Committee to conduct periodic QI committee meetings. Participates in all performance measure initiatives set forth by department, local, or national guidelines, policies, or directives. Incumbent works closely with Section Leads/Supervisors, Radiology Service Chief or his/her designee, while reporting directly to the PACS Manager. Incumbent works closely with OI&T employees and Biomedical Engineering personnel. Coordinates work with other services and users of digital radiographic images throughout the Medical Center, and remote sites of care. The incumbent must be ARRT certified and, if needed, capable of providing routine to complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic imaging equipment. The incumbent will also have general knowledge as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist in one of the complex imaging areas (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Interventional Procedures or Nuclear Medicine). Designs and maintains a quality control (QC) program for digital radiographic images to include, but not necessarily be restricted to, evaluation of image quality from modality to viewing monitor. This program will meet the accreditation standards of the American College of Radiology (ACR) and recommendations by the Joint Commission (JC). Develops methods for the collection and retrieval of information, either obtained manually or through automated processes, to enhance analysis of program related data. Incumbent works with on-site or contract Medical Physicist staff to develop and institute a preventative maintenance program and oversight of the diagnostic imaging equipment certification programs. . Shall act as COR or alternate to ensure the timely certification with physicist vendor for all diagnostic imaging equipment per ACR guidelines. Works with physicist/Radiation Safety Officer to ensure compliance with radiation safety program and for acceptance testing of all new installations of equipment. Maintains accurate records, as required by management, for quality assurance (QA) analysis, QC, performance improvement, and other related purposes. Ensures all JC mandates and Office of Inspector General (OIG) requirements for departmental QC are met. Develops a dashboard to display all quality aspects which may include equipment preventative maintenance and certification timelines, technologist retake/repeat analysis, fluoroscopy times, radiation dose and the lead apron database, QC logs for Radiography, Fluoroscopy, CT (both radiology and nuclear medicine), Nuclear Medicine Cameras, audits, and Mammography. Conducts monthly audits on all QC logs for completeness and accuracy. Works with Radiation Safety. Work Schedule: Typically Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, based on organizational needs.\nTelework: Not Available.\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required."]