Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) position is in Radiology Services at the Togus Maine VA Medical Center, located at the Togus, ME location. Duties include, but are not limited to: Use specific knowledge of human anatomy, including-cross sectional anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or multi-slice Computer Tomography including - exams of the head, neck, spine, chest, body, and extremities CT Angiography, drainages, and biopsies. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate the more urgent studies requested. Documents CT scan radiation dose. Performs quality control/assurance checks on completed CT scans to ensure optimally diagnostic images are referred for radiologists' interpretation. Receives patients and explains procedures, prepares CT room and equipment Responsible to explain exams to competent patients, and /or family members, so that it is understood as to what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and emergency measures to include AED. Properly identifies patient images. The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D. and the request are identical. Use of two identifiers is required, full social security number, first and last name, and date of birth are suitable identifiers. Responsible to the Radiologists and Supervisor for the quality and quantity of CT exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Prioritizes scheduled and emergent patients who may require immediate care. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of slices, etc. Performs peripheral and visceral CT Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile technique as required. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT and CT angiography and other exams. Performs 3-D reconstructions of CT and CT angiography studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Responsible for ordering, stocking, and inventory of all CT and CT angiography supplies and related materials. Work Schedule: Full time, Nights, Weekends, Holidays, Day Shift, Schedule TBD Compressed/Flexible: Authorized Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: F03185 Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact the EDRP Coordinator Hannah Nielson at Hannah.Nielson@va.gov for questions/assistance. Learn more EDRP - Assignment code - 00 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA Above Minimum Rate of the Grade. Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Notifications: This position is in an AFGE Bargaining Unit. This position is in the Excepted Service. This position is on a special salary rate. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees. The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's. Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) will be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment. 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. May be subject to satisfactory completion of our credentialing process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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. 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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: GS 9 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Assignment: Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. The candidate must demonstrate the experience above as well as the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (): 1.Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3.*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. 6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: Light to Moderate lifting and carrying, up to 44 lbs. Limited to 35lbs. with straight pulling; pushing; reaching at and above shoulders; use of both hands and fingers required; walking and/or standing (6- 8hours); crawling; kneeling; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Physical Environment: Standard: The size and layout of the facility must be adequate to allow for patient comfort, privacy and special needs as well as fostering appropriate workflow. This includes areas for imaging exams, control rooms, processing, image interpretation, patient changing, recovery/post-procedural care, waiting, administration, storage, record filing, medical physics services, engineering services, and staff. Hospital Care setting. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information THIS OPEN & CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT (OCA) ESTABLISHES A STANDING REGISTER OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS, which closes on 8/2/2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 5/6/24 with subsequent reviews every other week as additional vacancies occur, or on an as-needed basis, until positions are filled. "What To Expect Next" area of the announcement which provides additional information on the referral process for this type of announcement. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.