NYS SOciety of ORTHOPAEDIC Surgeons

The Diagnostic Radiological Technologist at Syracuse VAMC serves in a range of duties in general radiology and OR service. Duties include work off-site at the Erie Boulevard pain clinic and providing backup coverage to the Rome CBOC. The incumbent independently performs routine general radiologic procedures, fluoroscopy for GI studies and assisting speech pathologists with modified barium swallow procedures, C-arm for OR and minor procedures, bone densitometry and specialized orthopedic imaging. 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). 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. 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). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Grade Determinations: GS-8 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Preferred Experience: Must be credentialed by the ARRT in Radiology (R). References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Work demands considerable standing, walking, bending, twisting with a lead apron for prolong periods of times. Work Environment. Work is performed in a sterile patient operating setting with direct contact with bodily fluids which can be infectious. Proper PPE is worn throughout the procedures for protection from potential communicable disease; the area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d) ["Major Duties Perform radiographic duties and clinical duties in the general section of the Imaging Department at the Syracuse VAMC in various departments and locations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in all imaging systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination requests accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques that will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician. Performs all general radiology exams including complex patient examinations under the direction of radiologist, other medical officers, and senior staff members. May be called upon to assist in performing procedures in other areas. Knowledgeable in Computerized Radiography (CR) readers, CDROMS, and Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS). Ability to accommodate emergencies exams, practices radiation safety, maintains files and records, properly identifies patient images, must be continuously on the 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. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 9:30 am- 6:00 pm including off hours, weekend and holiday rotation Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 21R56-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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