Job Information
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration OPT-Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) SA-Interventional Radiology (IR) in Salt Lake City, Utah
Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf The Department of Veterans Affairs, Salt Lake City Medical Center (VA-SLC) in Utah is a level 1A state-of- the art patient care facility with comprehensive and complex radiographic and imaging programs. SLCVAMC with multiple Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC), providing tertiary care in Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Mental Health, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, ER Medicine, Surgical and Medical Subspecialties. Triages exams in manner to optimize patients and staff exam times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Prioritizes scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning for optimizing access for intervention. Schedules patients for examinations and advise radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies the physician of scans requiring their immediate attention. Performs neuro-angiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing fluoroscopic equipment, CT-3D spins, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. Performs peripheral, visceral, head and neck angiography. Implements radiation safety practices that exceed or meet national standards. Exercises the ALARA (As Low AS Reasonably Achievable) principle of radiation reduction with every patient and every exam. Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. Adheres to hospital policies of infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. Works with the radiologist as a member of the surgical/radiographic team. Assists and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and or surgeon during the entire exam. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations. Prepare contrast materials that are used in angiography and other exams. Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. Films badges/dosimeters are worn by the technicians in compliance with radiation regulations. Perform reconstructions and labeling of angiographic studies. Maintains records and documents pertaining to the exams performed. Registers and edits patient exams in the computerized information system, makes addendums to notes, and monitors status of IR consults. Properly identifies patient anatomy on imaging studies. Confirms the patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and other patient identifiers. Explains exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, the patient may be exposed to during their exam. Stocks inventory of all angiography supplies and related materials. Performs irregular hour emergency scans while on standby, 24 hours per day, weekends, weekdays, and holidays. Must be available within 30 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Performs General X-Ray exams, Portables, and Fluoroscopic Anesthesia Pain Procedures when needed. Works under the supervision of the Interventional Radiology Supervisor Technologist. Works independently on most exams but confers with radiologists and supervisor on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Work Schedule: Rotating shift, on-call, days, evenings, nights, and weekends. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Michael.Campbell6@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: is 57796-A. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 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). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 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). Grade Requirements: Interventional Radiography (IR). Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV)technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This special ty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. IR technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS.] Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs. 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 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. 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 During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.