Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) Technologist

Description:

The PACS Technologist provides guidance, instruction, maintenance and troubleshooting services in the day-to-day operations of the Radiology Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS), Voice Recognition System (VRS), Vista Imaging interface, and the Radiology Package in DHCP. The incumbent serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image and voice acquisition, processing, storage and display systems at the Amarillo VA Health Care System.

Requirements:

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: Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

Education. Must have completed a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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
Must have a current certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)

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 :

Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist), GS-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 described at that level. Examples of GS-10 experience can be found below.
Note: To be equivalent to the GS-10 level, experience must have also been earned while holding an active ARRT (R) Certification.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's).

• Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes.
• Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and OI&T.
• Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems.
• Ability to lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements.
• Ability to perform complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links, AE titles, individual and user group creation and access management, etc.
• Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security.
• 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.]

GS-10 level experience includes, but is not limited to the following:

Reference: Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist Assignment. 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 radiology, 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.
The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

1. 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.
2. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control.
3. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors.
4. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality.
5. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system.
6. 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.

Preferred Experience:

• 2 to 4 years minimum experience managing and maintaining Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) in a healthcare setting. This includes ensuring PACS servers are online, troubleshooting image routing issues, and managing user accounts.
• Ability to provide technical assistance to radiologists and other healthcare professionals regarding PACS functionalities.
• Demonstrated ability and initiative for continued learning through internships or working in IT support roles. Also demonstrated ability with collaboration with IT teams to ensure data security and compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Experience where demonstrated knowledge combines IT expertise with deep understanding of healthcare workflows.
• Ability to work collaboratively with biomedical maintenance on software and hardware issues involving PACS equipment.
• Prior experience working networking with other resources within healthcare systems, such as other PACS technologists, PACS Administrator and IT personnel.
• Pursuit of Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP) or possessing this credential is preferable. Demonstrated initiative to troubleshoot issues onsite and offsite.

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-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements:

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.