Career Center

The Lead Radiology Technologist has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and works closely with the technologists, radiologists, and clinicians to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic/therapeutic exam results, and patient satisfaction. If you ARE a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-11589315-22-ARS BASIC REQUIREMENTS: 1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.g. 2. 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. 3. 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). 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. 4. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). GRADE DETERMINATION: In addition to meeting the above Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Grade Determination criteria below: Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), GS-10 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 described at that level. 2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidates must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) in their resume: 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. Preferred experiences: - Minimum 7 years as a Technologist - Minimum 5 years as an MRI Technologist - Some leadership experience - Knowledge of MRI safety policies and ACR guidelines - Knowledge of Picture Archiving Computerized System (PACS) - Certified as an MRI Technologist with BLS certification References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard dated December 13, 2019. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: Must be compliant with the following physical standards and environmental factors: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Straight pulling; Pulling hand over hand; Pushing up to 4 hours; Reaching above shoulder; Both hands are required and the use of fingers; Walking and Standing; Repeated bending; Both legs are required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; Both eyes are required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; Hearing aid permitted; emotional stability; speed in working; Works alone; Working closely with other; Works protracted or irregular hours; Works around occasional odors; exposure to radiant energy; constant noise (machinery/equipment); and working around hazardous machinery with moving parts. May be required to wear a mask. Must have ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. ["The duties of the Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) includes but is not limited to: Performs MRI examinations including but not limited to head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen and extremities with and without the use of contrast materials. Performs image manipulation and reconstruction on advanced workstations to provide optimal image data for evaluation. Provides education to patients about procedures and answers questions and receives and follows-up on patient complaints. Performs accurately all documentation and record keeping related to each examination. Performs irregular hour emergency exams on-call, 24hours per day, coverage. Requires the technologist be available within 60 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Oversees the MRI clinic appointment scheduling determining the maximum number of procedures which can be performed in a designated time frame, in order to decrease backlog and accommodate emergent examinations utilizing system redesign principles. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of standard imaging procedures. Oversees quality assurance of MRI examinations. Confers with the radiologist on any areas of concern and makes necessary adjustments to processes. Oversees implementation and adherence to all safety practices and departmental policies related to Magnetic Resonance Imaging including screening processes and education of staff both in and out of Radiology. Develops and maintains an on-call schedule for MRI technologists. Determines staffing requirements based on past, present, and future workload patterns and develops the weekly/monthly schedules. Organizes staff work assignments, including lunch and break rotations. Observes patients during procedures and react correctly during complications, contrast reactions or unusual events and report the same to supervising physician. Ensures that adequate quantities of MRI supplies are available to meet workload demands. Assists the MRI Supervisor in determining costs for specific exams and projecting costs for budgetary purposes. Coordinates the repair of MRI and ancillary equipment. Serves as the liaison between Radiology and Biomedical Engineering and repair contractors. Recommends equipment improvements, repairs, upgrades, etc. Participates in developing specifications for new equipment requests. Oversees the training of new technologists in MRI on the performance of procedures specific to that modality and organizational practices of the specific unit. Develops formal orientation, training, and evaluation programs. Participates in the evaluation of new employees. Responsible for the evaluation and completion of competency checklists and the Performance Appraisal process under the direction of the MRI Supervisor. Holds staff accountable for workload assignments. Reports performance issues, absences and tardiness to the MRI supervisor. Coordinates leave requests i.e. vacation schedules, to maintain optimal staffing levels. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 12:30pm-9:00pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 580-00073-F\nRelocation/Recruitment: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]