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Summary This Lead Diagnostic Radiology Technologist (MRI), position is assigned to the Eastern Colorado VA Health Care System, Imaging Service. Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment, fixed and mobile, as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Supports radiologist or other medical officers to produce radiographic studies used to diagnose medical conditions. Responsibilities This Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), position is assigned to the Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS), Imaging Service; Magnetic Resonance Imaging section. The VA Eastern Colorado HealthCare System (ECHCS) is complex level 1A1 health organization which provides a full range of state-of- the-art patient care services. The Rocky Mountain Region VA Medical Center (RMRVAMC) facility is one of the largest VA hospitals in the US with 182-bed hospital which includes a 30-bed Spinal Cord Injury and Disease inpatient/outpatient center. The Lead DRT independently performs standard general imaging and complex MRI examinations including non-standard and advanced protocols such as emergency and inpatients expected in a 1A High Complexity Medical Center. The Lead MRI Technologist has the responsibility for the coordination and performance of the MRI department while working as an MRI Technologist. The Lead be the first line leader for staff technologists for this special modality, on all shifts. PRIMARY JOB DUTIES FOR THE POSITION: The Lead DRT MRI Technologist has responsibility for the coordination and performance of the MRI department while working as an MRI Technologist. Prepare the MRI magnet for daily operation, initiate system checks and self-calibrating parameters; independently operate a wide variety of imaging equipment in MRI to obtain examinations of acceptable quality. Keep Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) within acceptable limits while obtaining quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes; including 1.5T, 3T magnets, appropriate accessories, and associated equipment and MR Functional Neuro studies utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Perform MRI examinations of the brain, head, orbits, neck, TMJ, abdomen (adrenal, kidney, liver, pancreas), pelvis and extremities (shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, and foot/ankle). Demonstrate full knowledge of VHA Imaging SOP, contrast administration policies, MRI / radiation safety, training requirements and functions required to perform the assigned task. Utilize at least 2 of 4 methods: full name; full social security, or date of birth for detailed patient identification and verification. Program technical factors by interrogating or calibrating computer console and respond to differing body habitus and medical conditions with appropriate inputs for optimum study acquisition. Implement complete knowledge of patient safety before scheduling approval and during all procedures. Comply with facility privacy policies, maintain patient confidentiality, do not discuss findings or show images of the examinations to patients or their families. Demonstrate the ability to perform quality post-procedure reformats and send them to providers. The Lead MRI Tech shall provide leadership to staff MRI technologists assigned across multiple shifts, provide coverage for a 24/7 service. Maintain competent in venipuncture and adhere to guidance regarding administration of contrast media, use of power injectors, and use of gadolinium/administration. Implement current understanding of safety policies and procedures for practice of radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self by using optimized technical factors. Apply Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff, as mandated by Medical Center and Radiology service Infection Control policies. Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, reviews orders, protocols, screening information noting and researching all questionable information prior to tech approval. Work Schedule: Variable Shifts. Hours may vary. Will rotate on-call status. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55942-0 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. 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. 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 Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. All applicants are required to 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. b. 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. c. 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). d. 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: You must submit the required supporting documentation to receive consideration. Failure to provide the required documents will result in an ineligible rating and your application will be excluded from consideration. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be met: Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10; 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: 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.. Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: The technologist is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. The technologist functions as a lead technologist for a group of DRTs at the GS-09 level and below. The technologist performs a full range of general radiologic treatment procedures and possesses broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area. The technologist is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25, requires that applicants meet the following basic requirements. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending, lifting, and carrying of light items such as cassettes or digital detectors. There is occasional moderate exertion such as lifting multi-exposure cassettes or digital detectors or assisting other technologist in lifting and positioning patients. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees or patient lift team. 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). 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. 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 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. 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.