Summary

The Diagnostic Imaging Service is seeking a part-time Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist MR for the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston South Carolina.

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)
• Certification
• All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT) (R) and hold an advanced ARRT certification in MR
• Education
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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)
• 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 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
• Grade Determinations GS-10 Experience
• 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
• Assignment Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures
• 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of 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
• Reference: FORMER VA HANDBOOK REFERENCE: PART II APPENDIX G25
• For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• 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.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) position is assigned to Radiology Service and performs routine to complex MRI examinations - and general radiology exam/procedures (as needed)
• Typical duties include - but are not limited to: Operates 1.5T and 3 Tesla Magnet Systems
• Performs a variety of routine and complex MRI exams including but not limited to routine - vascular (peripheral - neurovascular) - neuro (brain/spine) - musculoskeletal - elastography and/or cardiac
• Demonstrates knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and physiology as well as medical terminology
• The incumbent must have specialized knowledge of the radiofrequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged
• Responsible to monitor the radiofrequency power delivered to tissue during an MRI examination is referred to as the SAR - expressed as watts per kg (W/kg)
• Responsible for setting up and positioning patients - providing immobilization devices - selecting proper technical factors on an individual patient basis - and operating the equipment
• Performs post processing reconstructions when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• Examinations are performed with or without contrast material based on imaging requisition and pre-defined protocols
• Follows contrast policy in preparation and administration of contrast materials
• Maintains competency with the loading - programming - and use of contrast power injectors
• Performs venipuncture with proper intravenous catheter selection for contrast administration
• Identifies and initiates treatment for extravasation of intravenous contrast
• Recognizes signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to intravenous contrast and ability to initiate appropriate response
• Understands and adheres to VHA Directives and facility/service policies related to MR safety and follows all regulations within the MR environment
• Familiar with all MRI Zones
• Maintains yearly competencies including MRT Level I and MRI Level II training
• Screens all individuals (patients - staff - vendors) and equipment entering Zone III and Zone IV to ensure compliance with MRI safety protocols
• Work Schedule: Saturday and Sunday - 7am - 5pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of 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) 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: FS 56233 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized