The incumbent serves as an integral part of a large Imaging Department within the Minneapolis VAHCS. The Incumbent will serve as a PACS DRT providing support, troubleshooting system application issues, and instructing users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems.
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). 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. 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). 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: 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 Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation. Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist. The PACS technologist provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems. The technologist performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. The technologist coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. The technologist provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware. The technologist provides training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems. The technologist provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, etc. The incumbent may function as a DRT which may include complex modalities such as CT, MR, mammography, ultrasound, and/or IR. Preferred Experience: 1 year of PACS user support, to include HL7 and DICOM data management and account creation preferred 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. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
This occupational series may be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $40,000 annually, up to $100,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a three-year service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. Contact VHAV23SLRP@va.gov for more information. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Responsible for the administration, maintenance and security of the Local Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Network, user accounts, passwords and the creation, distribution and deactivation of authorized users on the PACS Network. Incumbent must be proficient in Radiology processes and have a functional knowledge of complex Specialty Imaging modalities and procedures related to these modalities. Installs and supports Windows Operating Systems and applications, image transmission functions across networks Assesses cabling requirements and software needs to link PACS devices in the network environment. Coordinates troubleshooting with members of the PACS team, Biomed, vendors and imaging Service Line Staff Prepares detailed plans for implementing changes or upgrades of Informatics Systems, including Radiology Information System (RIS), PACS, Voice Recognition, 3D rendering, and VNA Service. Serves as liaison for OI&T, Biomedical personnel, and clinical users to ensure the Imaging Informatics Systems, workstations, application systems, networking interface software, and system administrative software. Provides Administrative monitoring of PACS software applications and archive servers Develops methods for the collection, retrieval and auto-routing of computer information from established systems to enhance analysis of program related data Assists with OI&T and Biomed with Networking Switch closet configuration to support connectivity of Imaging modalities, servers and computers Assists with configuring network IP address lists, subnet masks Performs Networking pings to test the reachability of a host on Internet Protocol (IP) network Work Schedule: 40 hours/week; compressed tour negotiable; will be discussed during interview process Telework: Ad Hoc Emergency Telework MAY BE Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized