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Summary The Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will perform a range of general radiologic treatment procedures at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, in Pittsburg, PA. The Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will have knowledge of different modalities and it accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. Responsibilities VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWMTotal Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties of the Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist assigned and not limited to the following: Performs as lead technologist in charge during administrative hours and gives direction to all Technologists. Independently performs general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. Receives and interprets requests/orders or instructions for procedures from radiologist or other physicians. Independently carries out orders from physicians, adjusting and utilizing appropriate CPT codes and protocols. Monitors and reports on the status and progress of work and adjusts accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures. Receives and organizes assignments for a variety of difficult examinations including care of trauma cases, critically ill patients, isolation patients and other emotionally and physically impaired individuals. Performs all required information support tasks to include Vista registration, case edit, etc., and tracking quality assurance data to improve efficiency and maintain databases for surveying bodies. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the completion of checklists and contrast / radiology notes in the CPRS package. This employee is responsible for and organizes data required for Joint Commission, IG and other surveying authorities. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients and explains procedures and positioning to patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Administers contrast materials under supervision by the radiologist. Assists and anticipates the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Is proficient in IV administration and teaches other MRI/CT technologists in IV competencies. Prepares exam rooms with sterile supplies, local anesthetics and any supplies required for given exams. Being proficient in sterile techniques, isolation and reverse isolation procedures. Performs and trains staff of reconstruction techniques when requested or when part of standard protocols, and maintains proficiency with reconstruction techniques, and trains other staff as required. Trains affiliated diagnostic radiology tech students and new employees. Performs irregular and emergency scans as required. This employee may be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations as determined by the Supervisory Diagnostic Technologist. Assures that patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Imaging Department policy and explains procedures to patients what is to be done as well as hazards. Obtains pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to contrast administration and medication reconciliation, and trains other technology staff in contrast administration and medication reconciliation. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring oral and injectable contrast media. Must know the effects and adverse reactions associated with these agents and train other technologists that work in MRI. Must continuously monitor the patient's condition for adverse reactions and react as a first responder as necessary. Employee must be knowledgeable in the procedures for handling adverse reactions including CPR certification and preparing incident reports in EPERS. Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: No 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 trial 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). 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: 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), [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 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). 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. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Note: For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. 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). Grade Determinations: 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. 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 11 incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: The incumbent functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs (at the GS-9 level and below). The incumbent provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs: Ability to provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work. Ability to resolve informal employee complaints. Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures. Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. 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-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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.