Summary The Radiology Lead Technologist Computed Tomography has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance. of the computed tomography section. He/she works closely with the technologists, radiologists, clinicians and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction. Responsibilities MAJOR DUTIES Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of nonstandard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT seeming. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Performs most exams utilizing surgical senile techniques. This requires "scrub-in technique," preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, Sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. This is done in minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, biopsy needles, catheters, clean-up trays, etc., after exam is completed: Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of 'body fluids and 'sharps' proper attire hand washing practices and continuing education. Works with the radiologist is a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, tecogni7e patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties etc. Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck spine, chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical Practices radiation safety properly follows. ALARA. guidelines in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technologist in compliance with radiation regulations. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Responsible for intravenous injection of contrast media. Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study. Maintains proficiency on reconstruction techniques. Ensures that images are successfully transmitted to PACS and are available for Radiologic Interpretation (this should be done as soon as the study is completed). Performs irregular hour emergency grans on standby, 24hours per day, coverage. Requires the technologist be available within 30 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations. Performs irregular hour emergency sc2ns on standby, 24hours per day, coverage. Prepares contrast materials. These contrast materials are used in the exams performed in CT area and the technologist must know the effects and reactions to the contrast Improper use or administration of the contrast materials ran the risk of patient mortality and, therefore; it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material use is possessed by those who prepare it In addition, must be continuously alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment. Schedules exams in a manner that optimizes scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam. Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm / Rotating Weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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). 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 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: Applicants must have 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). 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: Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT), GS-0647-11 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 needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader. 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. Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The technologist functions as a lead technologist for a group of DRTs at the GS-10 level and below. The technologist performs a full range of general radiologic treatment procedures and possesses broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area. The technologist is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. *Skill in directing on-the-job training for employees. 2. *Ability to evaluate work performance of lower level employees and recommend performance ratings. 3. *Skill in technical planning and oversight to set and adjust work priorities, and [ensure] that work requirements are met based on employee capabilities. 4. Ability to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including knowledge of growth and development. 5. *Knowledge of medical center, VHA, and government-wide human resources management regulations, policies, and procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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 During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.