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Summary The incumbent provides planning, guidance and oversight of departmental Quality Management program as well assisting in long range planning of the Radiology VistA package in DHCP (this is performed in conjunction with staff from the OI&T service). The incumbent serves as a specialist providing support in the operation / management of digital image acquisition, processing, storage, and display systems of the Durham VAMC. Responsibilities Functions: Designs and maintains a quality control program for digital radiographic images and all radiology modalities to include, but not necessarily be restricted to, evaluation of image quality from modality thru to the viewing monitor(s). The incumbent is responsible for the assessment of imaging quality throughout the "imaging chain"; from exam production by the assigned Technologist, arrival of the image into the modality processing computer, transfer of the image from the modality to the PACS, ensuring the electronic matching of the images with the Radiology report via Voice Recognition dictation system. Develops Quality Control methods and programs to evaluate and monitor the imaging techniques of the technologists in each imaging modality. Incumbent ensures that documentation is maintained regarding departmental QC programs on equipment and notifies imaging Service management officials and biomedical engineers if results deviate outside acceptable tolerances. Retrieves information requested by Imaging Management. The incumbent extracts workload for staffing and utilization studies, staff performances using VISTA and or other relevant data sources. Request may require development of File man scripts for general ad hoc reports and data sets and importing to Microsoft Office Software to analyze and view data. Knowledge of process improvement and continuous quality improvement. Joint Commission, FDA, ARRT, and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and VHA quality standards, policies and, regulations necessary to diagnose and systematically solve complex problems within complicated systems of care. Additionally, coordinates a quality control program for all other complex modalities within the Radiology Department, including but not limited to, x-ray, fluoroscopy, MRI, CT, Ultrasound, mammography, and interventional radiology. In some cases, this will involve coordination with QC technologists already in place in those modalities, or with the supervising technologist of those modalities. Imaging medical records quality responsibilities. Identifies and determines training needs for Technologists and Physician staff with regard to all relevant elements of documentation of imaging information/notes/reports in CPRS and/ or VistA. The incumbent maintains accurate records as required by management and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) for quality assurance analysis, quality control, performance improvement and other related purposes. Responsible for leading Quality Improvement committee in the Department of Radiology and reporting on quality issues identified in each modality. Develops performance improvement plans and corrective actions based on findings. Identifies and determines training priorities, conducts and administers training programs, develops and improves training guidance. Provides training to Radiologists and Technologists in proper/ efficient use of imaging hardware and software in use of QC/VR, PACS, Vista and CPRS software. Responsible in managing the functionality of and upgrades to the voice recognition dictation system used by the Imaging Service. The incumbent will ensure prompt response to all speech recognition issues identified by a Radiologist. Ongoing support to the functionality of this software is directly related to the success of nationally established turnaround times for interpretation of diagnostic imaging exams. Assures compliance of all Diagnostic Imaging related system and personnel security requirements to include all contracted Teleradiology services. Responsible for maintaining and activating contingency downtime procedures for PACS and voice recognition image and report distribution. Assists the Chief of Radiology or Supervisors in the assessment and procurement of new equipment. Identifies problems, gathers data, performs analysis, and proposes solutions to problems / barriers to establishment of an efficient, cost-effective imaging environment. Coordinates activities with Vista Imaging manager. Information Security Officer, OIT and Biomed cal personnel assigned to Radiology, Vista Imaging users and support personnel on computer-related matters to ensure that all issues are adequately addressed, and interface activities are conducted as effectively and efficiently as possible. Maintains communications with vendors and other sources to ensure that working technical knowledge is always current. Keeps abreast of image-related computer software developments and applications packages throughout the VA and the community as well as current developments in imaging systems. Assign user's primary menus, secondary user menu options, security keys prior to training. The incumbent develops and provides basic user training to new staff, ensuring user competency for all required software applications. And other duties assigned. Work Schedule: MF, 8-4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc 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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENTS. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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.] Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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), and 7407(d). GRADE REQUIREMENTS. Creditable Experience Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), [] magnetic resonance imaging (MR), [] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)], quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor.] Quality Management Technologist (QM). [The technologist] performs daily inspection of radiographic units to ensure proper mechanical functionality. [] [The technologist] ensures daily functionality of CR readers. [The technologist] provides in-service training to technologists and other personnel involved in the operation and maintenance, CR readers, DR panels and other PACS type of operations maintained within the department. [The technologist] coordinates [] scheduling of preventative maintenance for modalities either through biomedical engineering or local contractor service. [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-11 [] (1) 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 needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, [PACS technologist, clinical program director], or an assistant chief radiologic technologist. (2) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: (a) [PACS Technologist. This position serves as a liaison for the Office of Information and Technology (OI&T), Biomedical Engineering staff and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize imaging including distribution capabilities; develops methods and programs to evaluate, monitor and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems; serves as team leader in planning, developing, and instructing users in the operation of PACS network elements, the integration of these with related systems, and recommends corresponding upgrades. The incumbent ensures compliance with all national and VA information and security requirements, including archiving of images to VistA imaging. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes. ii. Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and OI&T. iii. Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems. (b) [Quality Management Technologist. This position has full oversight responsibility of departmental Quality Management program and may also include oversight of a departmental Quality Improvement (QI) program. That may include directing the work of lower graded staff. The technologist performs daily inspection[s] of radiographic units to ensure proper mechanical functionality [] and] ensures daily functionality of CR readers. [The technologist provides in-service training for technologists and other personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of CR readers, DR panels, and other PACS type of operations maintained within the department. The technologist] coordinates scheduling of preventative maintenance for modalities either through biomedical engineering or local contractor service. The technologist works with physicists to ensure compliance with radiation safety program and for acceptance testing of all new installations of equipment. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: 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.] Preferred Experience: two years radiology experience 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-11 . The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11 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. 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.