Career Center

Summary

This position is assigned to the Computed Tomography section of the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Service at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System in Richmond - VA. Under direction of the Chief Technologist of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Service - performs administrative duties of supervision for the staff technologists. Is responsible for directing unit duties - technologists and ancillary personnel.

Qualifications

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).] 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.] 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 - supervisory radiologic technologist - [PACS technologist - clinical program director] - or an assistant chief radiologic technologist. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to analyze organizational - technical - and administrative problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient section operation. Ability to analyze and use data effectively to manage section workload - quality - performance - and productivity. Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution. Ability to supervise technologists performing a wide variety of difficult radiographic exams (CT - MRI - Special Procedures - Mammography - Ultrasound). Ability to interview and evaluate candidates for positions - evaluate subordinate performance - recommend appointments - advancements - or recommend or take appropriate disciplinary actions. Skill in participating in organizational facility initiatives - workgroups - and/or committees. Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The incumbent functions as section supervisor for a group of advanced DRTs at the GS-10 level and below - which may include support staff. The incumbent evaluates new products and equipment and makes recommendations to the supervisor concerning upgrades/new purchases that would improve operations. The incumbent develops and maintains protocol manuals for procedures performed in the section. The incumbent is responsible for implementation and adherence to all safety practices and policies for the section. The incumbent 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. Preferred Experience: 2 years supervisory experience; Advanced certification in CT and at least 3 years experience in CT imaging Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11 Physical Requirements. Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking - prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); and speed in working. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

Duties

• Will have full knowledge of equipment and protocols/procedures in their assigned areas and may be asked to perform duties in their assigned area dependent on departmental needs
• Will maintain ARRT certification in Radiography (R) and Computed Tomography (CT)
• Will be tasked with focused work assignments or duties - requiring expert knowledge and high reliability
• These assignments or duties are aimed at Facility or Departmental process improvement as well as meeting VISN and/or National Initiatives
• Will participate in and be an integral part of Departmental and Facility committees - as needed - such as stroke alert - patient safety - protocol committees - High Reliability Organization Operations (HRD DPS) and Radiology Quality Improvement Committee
• Will be tasked with maintaining efficient workflow in the department
• distributes workload and assignments to staff - ensuring timely completion of required duties
• Skilled in problem solving and conflict resolution
• Analyzes organizational - technical - and administrative problems and develops/implements solutions that result in efficient section operation
• Consults with and apprises the Chief Technologist of problems that arise and makes recommendations for a solution
• Provides guidance and training for new employees to include orientation to the area - policy overview - protocol overview - and competencies
• Ensures adequate in-house and rotating coverage for assigned area 24 hours a day - 7 days a week
• Reports to Chief Technologist on performance - progress and training needs of employees and on disciplinary problems
• Ensures emergency safety drills are performed as required by directive
• Documents and ensures QC of equipment at required intervals
• Responsible for the efficiency and quality of imaging services - for the maintenance of the records required - and the preparation of reports on imaging operations
• Technology is always evolving and patient exams may utilize standard and non-standard protocols
• Consequently - the supervisor will be involved in new techniques - defining optimal protocols - and devising alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient
• New systems will be evaluated - and new methods will be compared with existing methods
• Interaction with physicians - scientists - physicists - computer programmers - manufacturers technical design engineers - and service personnel will be a normal occurrence of the daily duties of the operator
• Supervisor will perform these duties independently
• Performs other directly related duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Typically Monday-Friday - 8am-4:30pm
• Holidays - weekends and required to rotate on call Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional