This position is assigned to work in the radiology department, computed tomography (CT) section at the Durham VA Health Care Center, under the direction of a radiologist. The Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) reports directly to the Chief Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The Durham VA Health Care System is a 251-bed tertiary care referral, teaching, and research facility affiliated with the Duke University School of Medicine.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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.] 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. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 REQUIREMENTS. Creditable Experience Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non- paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), [ ] magnetic resonance imaging (MR), [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)], quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor.] 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 inter- relationship 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. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-10 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. Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. [The technologist] functions as a supervisor for a group of DRTs at the GS-9 level and below which may include support staff. [The technologist] evaluates new products and equipment, making recommendations to supervisors concerning upgrades/new purchases that would improve operations. [The technologist] informs higher level management of anticipated staffing variances and informally recommends promotions, reassignments, or other personnel changes such as retention or release of probationary employees, and recognition of superior performance in the diagnostic radiologic area. [The technologist] directs the development and implementation of services and treatment to patients through the supervision, mentoring, and oversight of assigned clinical staff. Experience must demonstrate practice skills in a specialty area or in administration demonstrating progressively more professional competency and judgment. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i. *Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient section operation. ii. Ability to evaluate quality management procedures and processes. iii. *Ability to analyze and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity. iv. *Skill in developing new policies and guidelines as needed. v. Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution. 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10.
Functions a. The incumbent independently performs all aspects of CT imaging that include but not limited to examinations of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, spine, extremities, CT angiography, post processing techniques such as 3D volume rendering, reconstructions, and multi-planar reformats on advanced workstations, and the administration of iodinated contrast media by standardized protocols as determined by demonstrated competency with each exam protocol under general supervision. b. The incumbent independently assists the Radiologist in all aspects of performing CT-guided invasive/special procedures in accordance with standardized protocols that include but not limited to Biopsies, Microwave ablations, Abscess drainages, Cyst aspirations, and ensures proper procedural set-up (room, supplies, accessory equipment), maintenance of sterile technique/field, and procedural Time Out requirements are met under general supervision. c. The incumbent independently performs all advanced level/specialized CT imaging that includes but not limited to cardiac CTA, lower extremity arterial run-offs, venograms, pituitary/sella brain, parathyroid 4-D neck, mesenteric ischemia, cystograms, and interventional procedures such as adrenal and pancreas biopsies and chest abscess drainages by standardized protocols as determined by demonstrated competency with each exam protocol under general supervision. d. Technologists are required to maintain continuous technical proficiency as related to the functions of this position. Must complete initial and annual competency assessment checklists. Must demonstrate competency to perform Intravenous Therapy for the administration of contrast material. Active Basic Life Support certification is required in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines. Must also comply with other competency verification activities/requirements as assigned by Management. e. Prepares and administers iodinated contrast media that are indicated for selected CT exams and procedures in accordance with examination protocols and manufacturer guidelines to determine the appropriate injection volume of the contrast agent being used. Technologists must possess a thorough understanding of the safety considerations and guidelines related to handling, storing, and administering contrast media to ensure a safe environment of care. In addition, Technologists must strictly adhere to departmental policies and procedures related to contrast administration to avoid harm or injury to the patient. Technologists must also be continuously on the alert to monitor the patient's condition before, during, and after contrast injection to identify and appropriately respond to potential anaphylactic reactions. f. Ensures all CT requisitions (orders) are appropriately processed (retrieved, screened, protocoled by Radiologist as needed) in a timely manner and submitted for follow-on scheduler action in accordance with VHA Radiology Scheduling Directive and departmental guidelines and procedures. g. Maintains adequate quantities of medical consumable supplies and/or devices to ensure they are readily available to perform routine and emergent diagnostic imaging to include scheduled interventional procedures through a systemized process of inventory monitoring and restocking activities. Supervisory Duties q. Performs supervisory tasks such as the distribution and balance of workload by monitoring work progress and instructing staff in specific work tasks and techniques r. Incumbent acts as liaison between other modalities, management, and entities outside of the department for quality/process improvement, patient/customer satisfaction, and effective inter/intra departmental communication. s. Makes assignments, plans staffing requirements for intermittent technologists based on workload trends, provides instructions and assistance, reviews work in progress and upon completion, identifies needs and provides additional training. t. Informs higher level management of anticipated staffing variances and informally recommends hiring of staff, promotions, reassignments, or other personnel changes such as retention or release of probationary employees and recognizes superior performance in the computed tomography area. In collaboration with the Chief DRT, evaluates the performance of employees using the Veterans Affairs Performance Appraisal process, including awarding high performers and working with human resources, on performance deficiencies. Additionally, the CT supervisor ensures that staff competencies and performance evaluations are adequate and up to date. u. Reviews new developments in the field of computed tomography and makes recommendations to the section. Reviews, updates and provides answers on procedures, policies, directives, etc., responds to requests for assistance in resolving problems with malfunctioning equipment, and patients with conditions that create unusual complexities. Work Schedule: 0800-1630 Telework: Ad-Hoc