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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. Independently perform advanced level aspects of MRI to include MR Breast and MR Cardiac 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: 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), [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).] Grade Determinations: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.] Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-10: Experience: At least 1 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. The DRT at this level functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs [at the GS-9 level and below]. The DRT at this level 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 the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): a. Ability to provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work. b. *Ability to resolve informal employee complaints. c. *Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and adjust and accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures. d. Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. Preferred Experience: Prefer 1 year experience in MRI and at the Lead or QC tech level; advanced ARRT in MRI as well as General Radiology. References: VA Handbook 5005/119; PART II APPENDIX G25. 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: The physical demand 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. 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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.