Career Center

The Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) at this level carries out all the examination responsibilities of the GS-8 DRT and has higher levels of professional responsibilities and expertise, complete all radiologic exams and responsibilities of the GS-8 position including rotation of on call, extended hours coverage, and CBOC coverage as needed, in addition to lead responsibilities listed herein. 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). 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. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. 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: Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs at the full performance level and below, providing input on performance, resolving daily workplace issues, and maintaining efficient workflow. Provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a general knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Ability to provide technical oversight and assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload utilizing the personnel to the greatest advantage thus providing the optimal level of patient care within the workday. ii. Ability to plan, direct, and distribute work assignments to DRTs at lower grade levels. iii. Skill in instructing and training DRTs on newly acquired equipment. iv. Ability to plan and project staffing needs. v. Skill to independently perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. References: See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25. Physical Requirements: The individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, standing up to 6 hours, wearing PPE (Lead Apron) up to 6 hours, bending, transferring. stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy. ["Duties include, but are not limited to: Will serve as a back-up for radiology staff's collateral duties in their absence, including but not limited to providing PACS assistance, burning imaging discs, community care referrals, entering inter-facilities consults (IFC) orders, uploading images, coordinating order reviews, etc. Ensures all quality assurance (QA) programs are followed. Reports to the Radiology supervisory staff when equipment fails and is not operational. Assists Radiology supervisory staff with the coordination of technical services and programs that support the Radiology department at Battle Creek VAMC and all CBOCs. Coordinate patient exams, staff breaks, and other clinic issues within the Radiology department. Help assist other staff when necessary, during difficult or uncooperative patient care, heavy workload, patient lift or transfer assistance, etc. Serves as a point of contact (POC) or liaison between a variety of services both within the Battle Creek catchment as well as external customers, including but not limited to physicists, repair vendors, contractors, and National Teleradiology Program (NTP) staff. Plans and coordinates work to be accomplished by sub-areas including general radiology, DEXA, CT, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, and MRI. Address informal employee and customer concerns and coordinate with the Ancillary leadership team to address concerns as appropriate. Monitors and reports on the status and progress of work, incomplete exams, pending exams, and makes necessary adjustments to accomplish this workload in accordance with established procedures. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of personnel requiring film badges/dosimeters. Serves as the clinical instructor for x-ray students. Coordinates and performs Radiology orientation for new staff and students. Recommends, coordinates, and helps to implement new or modified procedures, imaging techniques, exam protocols, and patient prep. Serves as a POC for clinical and administrative staff with technical questions including but not limited to ordering appropriateness and general order inquiries. Monitors and coordinates annual lead garment testing. Ensures that adequate quantities of supplies are available to meet workload demands through a systemized process of ordering, receipt, and inventory control. Possesses knowledge of anatomy and positioning, patient safety procedures, radiographic producing equipment, and basic computer functions. Performs proper procedures to obtain, transmit and store radiographic images within Picture Achieving & Communication System (PACS). Has knowledge and practices proper technique in the utilization, cleaning and upkeep of image receptors such as Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiology (DR) cassettes to include CR readers. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (with on-call hours as well) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91586-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]