The Supervisory Diagnostic Radiology Technologist (DRT) advises employees of the performance requirements of their positions, informs them of their progress in meeting the requirements, and prepares formal evaluations of employee performance. The incumbent conducts corrective interviews with employees, referring disciplinary problems to higher levels of management; and resolves informal complaints of employees. 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. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). 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). DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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: GS-09 Supervisory DRT: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-08 level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. The incumbent functions as a supervisor for a group of DRTs at the full performance level and below, which may include support staff. The incumbent advises employees of the performance requirements of their positions, informs them of their progress in meeting the requirements, and prepares formal evaluations of employee performance. The incumbent conducts corrective interviews with employees, referring disciplinary problems to higher levels of management; resolves informal complaints of employees; and deals with union representatives as appropriate. Supervisory DRTs plan and direct programs at medical centers and/or satellite outpatient clinics and have full supervisory responsibility. Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff; resolving complex problems to ensure patient services are met; evaluating new products, equipment, and systems to make recommendations for improved operations; identifying educational or training needs; recommending final decisions on selections; evaluating performance and recommending disciplinary action when necessary. The incumbent has professional responsibility for planning and directing the DRTs activities and is responsible for extracting and analyzing data to provide reports in support of performance measures to senior management. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to organize work, set priorities, delegate tasks and responsibilities. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers. Skill in assessing qualifications and abilities of current and prospective employees. Ability to consult with radiologist to develop standard and non-standard treatment/exam protocols. Ability to independently perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. Preferred Experience: Interventional Radiology preferred, but not required. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Lift, move or push heavy equipment, specifically cassettes, mobile x-ray equipment, stretchers and/or wheelchairs with patients in them. Assist in lifting patients who may be paralyzed, comatose or otherwise incapacitated, from stretchers or wheelchairs to x-ray tables and back. Provide physical assistance and care for patients in a timely manner in all circumstances. Reach overhead in order to manipulate an x-ray tube. ["Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Ability to organize work, set priorities, delegate tasks and responsibilities. Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers. Skill in assessing qualifications and abilities of current and prospective employees. Ability to consult with radiologist to develop standard and non-standard treatment/exam protocols. Ability to independently perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. Has knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Has knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. Has knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Has knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. Has the ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Assists the radiologist during fluoroscopic examinations. Prepares oral contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for oral exams of the GI tract. These procedures may require the use of barium suspension, gastrografin, and sodium bicarbonate crystals. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming two approved patient identifiers such as patient name and full social security number. Properly identifies patient images. Registers and edits when necessary, patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HISRIS interface (VISTA). Performs routine and complex radiographic examinations in the main department and ER as well as portable examinations on patient wards and OR radiography and fluoroscopy duties according to DIS protocols. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in all assigned areas and reports equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor. Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing, and Talent Management System (TMS) training as required. Participates in training and operation of new equipment and imaging processes as needed. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday Compressed/Flexible: N/A Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F04971 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Notifications: This position is in the Excepted Service. This position is not a Bargaining Unit position. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment. Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement."]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.