Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - Quality Management Technologist

Description:

The incumbent is responsible for evaluating, monitoring and continuously improving various imaging informatics workflows within the Imaging Service line including, but not limited to, Quality Management of the commercial PACS System, voice recognition (YR) system, CERNER, all Vista Imaging interfaces (RIS) with respect to Radiology image dataflow, digital image acquisition and storage (all modalities) processed at the Detroit VA and troubleshooting services in the day-to-day operations.

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. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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).

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 nonpaid 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.

Quality Management Technologist. This position has full oversight responsibility of departmental Quality Management program and may also include oversight of a departmental Quality Improvement (QI) program. That may include directing the work of lower graded staff. The technologist performs daily inspections of radiographic units to ensure proper mechanical functionality and ensures daily functionality of CR readers. The technologist provides in-service training for technologists and other personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of CR readers, DR panels, and other PACS type of operations maintained within the department. The technologist coordinates scheduling of preventative maintenance for modalities either through biomedical engineering or local contractor service. The technologist works with physicists to ensure compliance with radiation safety program and for acceptance testing of all new installations of equipment. The technologist maintains accurate records, as required by management, for quality assurance analysis, quality control, performance improvement, and other related purposes.

Grade Determinations : At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level of GS-10 directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
1. Knowledge of all Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and VA standards regarding radiology quality assurance and other technical functions.
2. Ability to train staff on quality assurance and control.
3. Knowledge of inventory management systems.
4.Knowledge of x-ray and other image-producing machinery in order to design and operate a complete radiology quality assurance program.
5. Knowledge of physics and [physical properties of CR and DR panels and image production to diagnose difficulties in x-ray machinery and post processing equipment.

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: : The work requires extensive walking, primarily between workstations and divisions within the Radiology Department and remote service locations. There may be extended periods of time using and sitting in front of computers. There may be periods when bending and kneeling may be required and/or extended periods of time while working in a cold computer room. Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over) with or without assistance and the aid of mechanical lift equipment; moderate )lifting (15 -44 lbs.); light lifting (under 15 lbs.); moderate carrying (] 5 - 44 lbs.), light carrying (under 15 lbs.); straight pu11ing; pulling hand over hand; pushing; reaching above shoulders; use of fingers; walking; standing; kneeling; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; specific visual requirement; ability to visualize X-rays clearly; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of coolers; hearing (aid permitted). Duties may require lifting and carrying computer equipment (approximately 45 lbs.) such as monitors, Computer Processing Units (CPUs), and Utility Power System (UPS) products. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.